Born: 1956 (Kansas City, Missouri)
Biography:
Amy Alcott, born on February 22, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri, is an American professional golfer and golf course designer. Her remarkable career on the LPGA Tour included winning five major championships and a total of 29 LPGA Tour events. Alcott’s contributions to the world of golf and her influential role in women’s sports have earned her a well-deserved place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Alcott’s journey in golf began at a young age when she showed great promise as a player. In 1973, at the age of just 17, she claimed the U.S. Girls’ Junior championship, showcasing her talent and ambition. Shortly after graduating from Palisades High School in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, Alcott turned professional in 1975, embarking on a career that would leave an indelible mark on the sport.
In her rookie year, Alcott made a remarkable start by winning her very first professional tournament, the Orange Blossom Classic on the LPGA Tour. Her early success led to her being crowned the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year, indicating the immense potential she possessed. Alcott continued to build her reputation as a formidable player, winning four tournaments in a single year on three separate occasions in 1979, 1980, and 1984.
1980 proved to be Alcott’s breakthrough year. Not only did she secure four victories on the Tour, but she also clinched the prestigious LPGA Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average. With five second-place finishes and an impressive Top 10 record in 21 out of 28 tournaments, Alcott’s dominance in 1980 firmly established her as one of the top players in women’s golf.
Throughout her career, Alcott showcased her ability to perform under pressure and in major championships. Her first major victory came at the 1979 Peter Jackson Classic, later rebranded as the du Maurier Classic. Alcott went on to claim the U.S. Women’s Open title in 1980 and secured victory at the Nabisco Dinah Shore Championship on three separate occasions in 1983, 1988, and 1991.
Alcott’s triumph at the 1988 Dinah Shore Championship is particularly noteworthy as it initiated the tradition of the winner leaping into Poppie’s Pond to celebrate, a tradition that continues to this day. This historic win marked the 29th of her career, leaving her just shy of the 30-win requirement for entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame at the time. However, in 1999, when the criteria changed to a point-based system, Alcott’s illustrious career secured her a rightful place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Beyond her achievements on the course, Alcott’s contributions to the sport extend to her work as a golf course designer. She was part of the architectural team responsible for designing the golf course used in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. This endeavor allowed Alcott to further leave her mark on the sport, showcasing her expertise and passion for the game.
In recognition of her remarkable career and lasting impact on golf, Alcott has been honored with inductions into multiple halls of fame. She is a member of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating her Jewish heritage and her contributions to women’s athletics.
After retiring from professional play, Alcott remained involved in the world of golf as a course designer and broadcaster. She hosted the Office Depot Championship Hosted by Amy Alcott from 2002 to 2004 on the LPGA Tour, further cementing her presence in the golfing community. Alcott also shared her knowledge and expertise through writing an instructional book and recording an instructional video.
In 2007, Alcott took on a new role as the girls’ golf coach at Harvard-Westlake School in North Hollywood, California, continuing to shape and inspire young golfers. Her dedication to the next generation exemplifies her ongoing commitment to the sport and her desire to leave a lasting legacy.
Amy Alcott’s exceptional career, marked by numerous victories, major championships, and contributions to the sport, showcases her as a true legend of women’s golf. Her impact has not only shaped the sport but has also inspired countless individuals, both on and off the course. Amy Alcott’s story is a testament to the power of determination, talent, and the desire to leave an indelible mark on women’s sports.
Awards:
– LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year
– U.S. Girls’ Junior champion (1973)
– Winner of four LPGA Tour events in a single year three times (1979, 1980, 1984)
– Winner of the LPGA Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average (1980)
– Winner of the Peter Jackson Classic (1979)
– Winner of the U.S. Women’s Open (1980)
– Winner of the Nabisco Dinah Shore Championship three times (1983, 1988, 1991)
– Induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame (1999)
– Member of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
– Member of the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame