Born: 1955 (Reading, Pennsylvania)
Betsy King (born August 13, 1955) is an American professional golfer who has left an indelible mark on the sport. With a career that spanned over three decades, King achieved tremendous success, winning six major championships and 34 LPGA Tour victories. Her dedication to the game, skill on the course, and commitment to philanthropy have solidified her as one of the most influential figures in women’s golf.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on August 13, 1955, Betsy King discovered her passion for golf at an early age. She attended Exeter Township High School and graduated in 1973 before embarking on her collegiate career at Furman University. During her time at Furman, King played a vital role on the 1976 national championship team, which also included future LPGA players such as Beth Daniel, Sherri Turner, and Cindy Ferro. Furthermore, she showcased her talent and potential by being the low amateur at the 1976 U.S. Women’s Open.
In 1977, King turned professional and joined the LPGA Tour. It didn’t take long for her to make her mark, as she clinched her first tournament victory at the 1984 Women’s Kemper Open. This win ignited a remarkable run for King, who went on to claim three more titles that season. Her exceptional performance in 1984, where she recorded 21 top-10 finishes, earned her the prestigious LPGA Tour Player of the Year honors. From 1984 to 1989, King dominated the golfing world, securing a total of 20 LPGA events, surpassing all other male and female golfers during that period.
King’s winning streak didn’t stop there. After her first victory in 1984, she triumphed at least once in each of the following ten years, with a peak of six victories in 1989. Her consistent excellence propelled her to the top of the money list, as she finished in the top-10 every year from 1985 to 1995, and once again in 1997. Throughout her career, King was honored as the Player of the Year three times, won two scoring titles, and claimed three money titles. In 1993, she secured the scoring title and money title, despite only winning one tournament. Her astonishing resilience was evident in her five second-place finishes, two of which occurred at major championships. During the period from 1987 to 1992, King averaged a major victory each year and added a sixth major title in 1997. Her final triumph on the LPGA Tour came in 2001, culminating in a remarkable 34 wins in her career.
Not only was King a dominant force on the golf course, but she also embraced a philanthropic spirit. From 1996 to 2004, she hosted the Wachovia LPGA Classic, a tournament dedicated to raising funds for charitable causes. Off the course, she committed herself to charitable activities, including organizing Habitat for Humanity house building projects and providing assistance to orphan relief agencies in former Soviet bloc countries.
Additionally, King represented the United States in the Solheim Cup five times between 1990 and 1998. The pinnacle of her involvement came in 2007 when she captained the United States team. Her leadership guided the team to a resounding 16-12 victory over Europe in the 2007 Solheim Cup held in Halmstad, Sweden. King’s contribution to the event and her impact on women’s golf were celebrated by her induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1995.
In recognition of her Polish heritage and accomplishments in golf, King was also honored with induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. Her legacy and impact continue to inspire future generations of golfers, proving that with determination, skill, and a giving heart, one can make a lasting impression on and off the course.
Awards:
– National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame induction (2001)
– Induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame (1995)