Willie Turnesa was born in Elmsford, New York, just north of New York city, and lived most of his life there. He was one of seven famous golfing brothers; Phil (1896-1987), Frank (1898-1949), Joe (1901-1991), Mike (1907-2000), Doug (1909-1972), Jim (1912-1971), and Willie (1914-2001). Interestingly enough, Willie was the only brother never to turn professional. His older brothers forbade him to turn pro and pooled their money to send him to college. He graduated from Holy Cross in 1938 and won his first U.S. Amateur later that year at Oakmont Country Club.
Turnesa won the British Amateur in 1947 at Carnoustie Golf Links, beating fellow American Dick Chapman 3&2. He won his second U.S. Amateur in 1948 and was runner-up in the 1949 British Amateur, losing to Irishman Max McCready. He won numerous other amateur events, mostly in the New York area. Turnesa played on three straight winning Walker Cup teams, 1947, 1949, and 1951, where he also served as the playing captain.
