Born: 1927 (Eureka, South Dakota)
Died: 2002
Biography:
Alice Bauer (October 6, 1927 – March 6, 2002) was an American golfer and one of the founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Born in Eureka, South Dakota, she had a significant impact on the sport and played professionally for several years, achieving notable accomplishments and greatly contributing to women’s golf.
Bauer’s passion for golf began at a young age. With her father owning a golf course, she was exposed to the sport early on. Inspired by her older sister Marlene, who was already gaining attention as a golfer, Alice took up the game as well. At the age of 11, she began devoting her time to golf, honing her skills and showcasing her talent.
In 1942, at just 14 years old, Alice won the South Dakota amateur championship, becoming the youngest winner of the event. After her family relocated to California, she continued to excel in the sport. In 1949, she claimed victory at the Southern Cal Amateur tournament, adding to her growing list of accomplishments.
By 1950, Bauer had competed in the U.S. Women’s Amateur three times and even defeated leading professional player Patty Berg in an exhibition match. That same year, Alice, along with her sister Marlene, became one of the 13 founders of the LPGA. Their pioneering efforts helped lay the foundation for women’s professional golf.
Throughout her career, Bauer consistently achieved top-10 finishes in major championships. In 1955, she narrowly missed her first tournament victory on the LPGA Tour at the Heart of America Open. After reaching a playoff with Marilynn Smith, she unfortunately lost on the fourth extra hole.
As her performance improved towards the end of the season, Alice decided to incorporate her daughter into her tour schedule. This decision positively impacted her game, leading to better results. Despite being a mother, she continued to compete and challenge herself on the golf course.
Although Bauer did not win a tournament on the LPGA Tour, her talent and determination were evident. In 1956, she achieved her highest ranking on the LPGA Tour money list, finishing in 14th place. That same year, she came in 6th place at the LPGA Championship, just behind her sister Marlene, who won the tournament in a playoff.
In 1957, Bauer impressed spectators at the U.S. Women’s Open, taking a three-stroke lead halfway through the tournament. However, she faced setbacks in the subsequent rounds and ended up in a tie for sixth place. Despite this disappointment, she displayed resilience and continued to participate in competitive golf.
Tragedy struck in 1958 with the passing of Bauer’s father, significantly impacting her playing schedule. While she still occasionally competed on the tour, her focus shifted towards other aspects of her life. Nevertheless, she managed to achieve her best finish at the U.S. Women’s Open that year, securing a commendable fourth-place result.
Alice Bauer’s contribution to golf extended beyond her personal achievements. Known for her powerful swing, despite her petite stature, she inspired many with her determination and skill. Her role in the formation of the LPGA and her continuous presence in women’s golf left a lasting impact on the sport.