The golfing great known as "Slammin' Sam", who used the sweetest swing in the game to win seven major championships and a record 135 tournament victories worldwide, died Thursday at age 89.

Sam Snead, who would have turned 90 on Monday, died at his Hot Springs, Virginia home. He had been suffering from a series of strokes that began just after The Masters, said his daughter-in-law Ann Snead.

Louis Martin, Chief Executive of the Sunshine Tour said: "It is with profound shock and disbelief that we have come to learn of Sam's passing.

"The members and staff of the Sunshine Tour joins millions of golf fans in mourning the passing of Sam Snead, one of the true legends of the game. He was a true credit to the game and we will always remember him for the style and grace he brought to our sport.

"He will be sadly missed by all in the industry and our thoughts and sympathies are extended to his two sons, Samuel J. Jr. and Terry, and two grandchildren ".

"Slammin' Sam", whose trademark straw hat marked his golfing legend, ended his professional career about 20 years ago with a record 81 victories on the US PGA Tour and 135 internationally, including three US Masters, three US PGA Championships and one British Open.

After turning professional in 1934, Snead and his classical swing won titles in six different decades, capturing along the way numerous records as he competed until he was almost 70.

But every time he played at the US Open, he came up short. Four times he was runner-up, once needing a five at the last hole for the title but collapsing with an eight. His triumph in the 1965 Greater Greensboro Open at the age of 53 made him the oldest winner of a tour event in history.

Nine years later, aged 62, he almost eclipsed that feat when he was runner-up at the Los Angeles Open, two strokes behind the winner, and at the US PGA Championship where he tied for third.

In the 1979 Quad Cities Open, Snead matched his age when he shot a 67. He then bettered it the next day with a 66.

Snead is survived by his two sons, Samuel J. Jr. and Terry, and two grandchildren. A memorial service is planned in Hot Springs on Sunday.