Jim Colbert, a highly accomplished professional golfer and respected Kansas State University alumnus, has passed away at the age of 85.
He was widely recognized for his successful career, which included eight PGA Tour victories and 20 wins on the Senior Tour, as well as his trademark bucket hat and deep loyalty to Kansas State athletics.
Originally joining Kansas State on a football scholarship, Colbert later transitioned to golf after an injury, a move that proved pivotal as he went on to finish second in the 1964 NCAA Championship.
K-State athletic director Gene Taylor paid tribute to Colbert, highlighting both his impact on the golf world and his lasting contribution to the university, including his role in developing Colbert Hills, a course that remains central to the school’s golf program.
Colbert’s professional career spanned decades. He earned eight PGA Tour wins between 1969 and 1983, beginning with the Monsanto Open and concluding with a Texas Open victory.
He also delivered strong major performances, including top-five finishes at both the Masters and U.S. Open in 1974.
After turning 50, Colbert experienced renewed success on the Senior Tour, where he captured 20 titles starting in 1991 and competed against legends such as Hale Irwin, Gary Player, Raymond Floyd, and Al Geiberger. His final Senior Tour victory came in 2001.
Beyond competition, Colbert helped design Colbert Hills in Manhattan, Kansas, which opened in 2000 and remains a highly regarded public course.
The facility serves as a home course for Kansas State’s golf programs and is a lasting part of his legacy in the state.
Former K-State football coach Bill Snyder also honored Colbert, praising his generosity, community involvement, and close friendship with the university. Colbert was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the K-State Sports Hall of Fame in 1991, cementing his legacy in both state and collegiate sports history.
