Although born in Virginia, Snead's career was more closely linked to West Virginia. Snead was a natural athlete who focused on golf after high school. In 1934, he went professional, later working at The Homestead resort in Virginia before becoming a teaching professional at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs.

In 1937, he joined the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Snead returned to the Greenbrier in 1948. On the tour, he is credited with winning 81 PGA events (a record) and at least 135 world tournaments.

He won his last PGA event at age 52, making him the oldest player to win a tournament. His other wins included three PGA Championships, three Masters Tournaments, and the The Open (British Open) in 1946.

Snead was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 2009, he was inducted into the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame along with friend Bill Campbell.