Ben Crenshaw's father dies after long battle with cancer

Charles Crenshaw Sr., the father of two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, has died after a long battle with thyroid cancer. He was 85.

Crenshaw died Monday in an Austin hospice, said Scott Sayers, Ben Crenshaw's agent and longtime friend.

Charles Crenshaw introduced his son to golf and famed teacher Harvey Penick at an early age. The younger Crenshaw will serve as captain of this year's U.S. team in the Ryder Cup.

"There is no question in my mind that many of Ben's traits came from his years of learning golf from his dad and Harvey Penick," Sayers said in a statement. "He received the best training anyone could have as a young golfer. How to play from Harvey, and how to be a gentleman from his dad."

Charles Crenshaw, a native of Alabama, served as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he joined the Texas attorney general's office and later entered private practice.

Other survivors include his wife, Roberta, sons Ben and Charlie, daughter Bonnie and nine grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were pending Monday night.

TRW