Taking a tour of the historical background of the sport we know and love can boost our understanding and appreciation of the hard work and dedication given throughout the ages to the sport of golf. Specifically, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has branched out to become its own streamlined area of passion-driven involvement for millions of women around the world.
Most people are familiar with the LPGA Tour, a long series of weekly golf tournaments. These highly competitive tournaments draw professional elite golfers from across the globe to participate for a chance to join the hall of fame, earn a trophy, or win a sizable amount of prize money. In celebration of the many accomplishments and notable contributions to make the LPGA what it is today, let’s explore the wonderful history it stands on.
The LPGA: How it All Began
Although the game of golf began during the 15th century in Scotland, women’s professional golf was not organized in America until the mid – 20th century. In 1950, thirteen brave women decided to launch golf into a progressive new era where female golfers could play professionally and receive unique recognition for their passion and dedication to the game.
Louise Suggs, Babe Didrickson-Zaharias, and Patty Berg are among the thirteen women credited for forming The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Kansans will be proud to know that these women were in Kansas when it was founded. It was at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wichita, Kansas that the LPGA was first established.
Following the inspiring new start of the LPGA, the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals was created to further cultivate and encourage more opportunities for women in golf. The LPGA has survived throughout history making it the oldest continuing organization in America dedicated to women’s professional sports.
Since the start of the LPGA, five major annual championships have been hosted by them. These include:
- Chevron Championship
- U.S. Women’s Open
- Women’s PGA Championship
- Women’s British Open
- The Evian Championship
Today, the LPGA continues to succeed in its mission and vision to be recognized as a global leader in women’s professional golf. The organization continues to provide female professional golfers the opportunity to pursue their dreams in golf and receive many awards, recognitions, and monetary rewards as a result of their commitment.
Other Interesting facts about Ladies’ Golf:
- The LPGA headquarters is located in Naples, Florida
- A rookie golfer, Karrie Webb was the first female to earn over one million dollars in a single season.
- The 2022 LPGA prize money is a total of $17.5 million.
- The first women’s golf tournament was held in 1811, on New Year’s Day in Musselburgh in New Zealand
- An LPGA professional driving average is approximately 230 yds.
- In 1956, the first professional women’s golf tournament was held in Havana Cuba.
- Annika Sorenstam is the richest LPGA golfer earning $22, 577, 025 in her golf career.
- New Zealander Lydia Ko was only 14 years old when she won a professional golf tour, making her the youngest recipient of this honor.
- The LPGA trophy is called “The Vare Trophy” in honor of Glenna Collett-Vare and is received by the player with the lowest scoring average of the season.
The Senior LPGA Championship was recently played in Salina, Kansas at Salina Country Club. It was great to have had the opportunity to get involved in the latest golf activity that is a proud part of the LPGA history. Congratulations to Karrie Webb for taking home her first senior title.
The Salina Country Club Premier Experience
For over 100 years, the Salina Country Club has been a landmark in many people’s lives as we provide a way for people to meet, mingle, and play together. Members have enjoyed the club for generations and have gathered here to get away from the stress of their professional lives and create cherished memories with their families.
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