Louise Suggs, one of the 13 founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, has died.
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Suggs, an Atlanta native who helped start the LPGA in 1950, lost a battle with melanoma. By the time she turned professional, she had five of the world’s leading amateur trophies. She also served as the LPGA’s president from 1955-57.
Insert “women” for “men” and “golf” for “football” and you have the early years of the LPGA. It was called the Royal Poinciana Invitational, featuring the likes of Suggs and Patty Berg, Sam Snead and Dow Finsterwald. Among those in the field were Suggs and Snead. Snead was visibly upset following the loss.
“I finally said, ‘I don’t know what the hell you’re bitching about”.
Born and raised in Atlanta, World Golf Hall of Fame member Suggs won 61 times, fourth on the all-time LPGA list, and celebrated 11 major championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open in 1949 (by 14 strokes) and 1952.
She retired in 1962 from competition, but not from the LPGA Tour. She was a guest at several tournaments and gala events, and the LPGA’s Rookie Of The Year Award was named in her honor. She quickly racked up most of the important amateur titles before turning pro.
“I wish like hell I could have played for this kind of money,” Ms. Suggs said at a 2007 LPGA awards dinner. “But if not for me, they wouldn’t be playing for it, either“. She attended the majors, including the first one for the women at St. Andrews. She had previous won the Women’s British Amateur in 1948.
“I feel like the LPGA lost a parent“, Commissioner Mike Whan said.
But Suggs’ forthrightness was underpinned with generosity, and LPGA administrators realized how valuable she could be in linking modern players to their roots – often with a Scotch and a amusing story. Her personal guidance was priceless.
“Her mind was as sharp as a tack to the end”, her friend, former LPGA player Meg Mallon told me.
Suggs had an unparalleled passion for the LPGA and was known for telling new players on tour, “This is my baby”.
“So sad to hear the loss of an incredible leader/role model and founder of the women’s game“. Her swing combines all the desirable elements of efficiency, timing and coordination… despite her slight build, she is consistently as long off the tee and through the fairway as any of her feminine contemporaries in competitive golf. “Louise Suggs“.
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Louise Suggs hit the ball so far that comedian Bob Hope dubbed her “Miss Sluggs“. Last year I received the 2014 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award.
