Born: 1923 (Atlanta, Georgia)
Died: 2015
Biography:
Louise Suggs (1923-2015) was an American professional golfer who played a pivotal role in the development of women’s golf. Born as Mae Louise Suggs in Atlanta, Georgia, she had a remarkable amateur career before turning professional and becoming one of the founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.
Suggs displayed her talent and determination from a young age. At 16, she won her first Georgia State Amateur title in 1940, showcasing her immense potential. She went on to capture the title again in 1942. Her success continued with victories at the Southern Amateur Championships in 1941 and 1947. Suggs also excelled at the North and South Women’s Amateur, securing the championship three times in 1942, 1946, and 1948.
In 1946 and 1947, Suggs claimed back-to-back victories at the Women’s Western Amateur, a tournament that would later be designated as a major championship by the LPGA. Additionally, she emerged victorious at the 1946 Titleholders Championship, another event that was subsequently recognized as a major in women’s golf. Suggs further solidified her status as one of the greatest golfers of her time by winning the prestigious U.S. Women’s Amateur in 1947 and the British Ladies Amateur the following year. Her amateur career reached its pinnacle when she represented the United States on the 1948 Curtis Cup Team.
After transitioning to the professional ranks in 1948, Suggs continued to amass an extraordinary number of victories. Over the course of her career, she claimed 58 professional tournament wins, including 11 major championships. Suggs consistently showcased her exceptional skills, finishing in the top three of the season-ending money list from 1950 to 1960.
In 1957, Suggs made history by becoming the first LPGA player to complete a career Grand Slam when she won the LPGA Championship. Her remarkable performance on the golf course and influential role in shaping women’s golf led to her induction as an inaugural member of the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame in 1967 and the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1979. Additionally, she was honored with induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1966.
Suggs played a pivotal role in establishing the LPGA Tour, alongside her fierce competitors Patty Berg and Babe Zaharias. She even served as the president of the organization from 1955 to 1957, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to advancing women’s golf.
Recognizing her lasting impact on the sport, the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award was established in her honor. This prestigious accolade is presented annually to the most accomplished first-year player on the LPGA Tour. Furthermore, in 2006, Suggs was honored with the Bob Jones Award by the United States Golf Association for her distinguished sportsmanship in golf.
In 2015, just months before her passing, Suggs achieved yet another significant milestone when she became one of the first female members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of women’s golf.
Awards:
– Inductee, LPGA Tour Hall of Fame (1967)
– Inductee, World Golf Hall of Fame (1979)
– Inductee, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (1966)
– Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award named in her honor
– Recipient, Bob Jones Award for distinguished sportsmanship in golf (2006)
– Member, Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (2015)