WASHINGTON, May 24: Sam Snead, whose unmatched 135 tournament victories worldwide and trademark straw hat made him a golfing legend, died on Thursday, his daughter-in-law said.

Snead, who would have turned 90 on Monday, died at his home in Hot Springs, Virginia, the remote, hill country town of his birth, after having suffered a series of minor strokes, Ann Snead said.

Snead, who wore his straw hat to hide his baldness, ended his career about 20 years ago with 81 victories on the U.S. tour and 135 internationally, including three in the PGA championship, three in the Masters and one British Open.

Snead leaves a two sons, Samuel J. Jr. and Terrance, and two grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for Sunday in Hot Springs.—Reuters