Born: 1892 (Newport, Nebraska)
Died: 1981 (Kansas City, Missouri)
Biography:
Opal S. Trout Hill was a remarkable American professional golfer who left an indelible mark on the world of women’s golf. Born on June 2, 1892, in Newport, Nebraska, Opal was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where she would spend the majority of her life.
Opal’s journey into the world of golf began as a result of a recommendation from her doctor. Suffering from a lingering kidney infection at the age of 31, Opal’s doctor advised her to engage in mild exercise. Intrigued by the sport, she took up golf and soon discovered her incredible talent for the game.
Despite starting relatively late in life, Opal quickly rose through the ranks, achieving numerous victories in amateur tournaments. In 1928, she claimed victory in the Trans-Mississippi Women’s Amateur and the North and South Women’s Amateur. Opal continued her winning streak, clinching titles in the Women’s Western Amateur and Trans-Mississippi Women’s Amateur in 1929 and 1931.
Her skill and dedication to the sport propelled her to further success. In 1935, Opal secured her first major championship win at the Women’s Western Open. With a dominating performance, she defeated her competitor, Mrs. S.L. Reinhart, with a stunning score of 9 & 7. Building on this achievement, Opal went on to defend her title the following year, emerging victorious at the Women’s Western Open in 1936, defeating Mrs. Charles Dennehy with a score of 3 & 2.
Opal turned professional in 1938, making a significant impact on the world of women’s golf. Her contributions did not stop there; in 1950, she became one of the 13 visionary founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). This organization played a pivotal role in elevating women’s golf to new heights and provided countless opportunities for women to compete professionally.
Throughout her career, Opal exhibited a remarkable level of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Her achievements on the golf course not only solidified her place in sporting history but also served as an inspiration to countless aspiring women golfers. Opal paved the way for future generations of female athletes, proving that gender is no barrier to success in sports.
Opal Hill’s journey in golf came to an end on June 23, 1981, when she passed away in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 89. Her legacy lives on, as her impact on women’s golf continues to be felt to this day.
Awards:
– Two-time winner of the Women’s Western Open (1935, 1936)
– Winner of numerous amateur tournaments, including the Trans-Mississippi Women’s Amateur, North and South Women’s Amateur, and Women’s Western Amateur
– One of the 13 founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in 1950