Success in his golfing prime made Sam Snead a star. Longevity helped to build a legend. Snead's fluid but powerful swing seemed effortless, a classic swing that kept him on course well into his 60s.

With the Los Angeles fires and Tiger Woods' mother's death, the Genesis will not be the same this week in San Diego.

If winning is the standard for determining excellence, there is no greater player in golf history than Sam Snead. Using a smooth, syrupy swing that looked as natural and effortless as breathing ...