Born: 1951 (Westford, Massachusetts)
Biography:
Pat Bradley is an American professional golfer who made a significant impact on the LPGA Tour during her career. Born on March 24, 1951, in Westford, Massachusetts, she grew up in a family that had a deep passion for golf. Her father, Richard Bradley, was an avid golfer, and her brothers also had a strong connection to the sport. Mark Bradley, one of her brothers, is a PGA club professional in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and his son Keegan Bradley won the PGA Championship in 2011. In recognition of their dedication to golf, the Bradleys were named Golf Family of the Year in 1989 by the National Golf Foundation.
While golf played a significant role in her family’s life, Pat Bradley also excelled in another athletic pursuit during her teenage years. She was an accomplished alpine ski racer and showcased her skills on the slopes. However, it was golf that ultimately captured her heart and propelled her towards a remarkable career in the sport.
Bradley’s talent on the golf course became evident during her amateur career. She had notable victories in the New Hampshire Amateur in 1967 and 1969, as well as the New England Amateur in 1972 and 1973. Her success as a member of the golf team at Florida International University in Miami led to her being named an All-American in 1970. Bradley’s promising performances drew attention and set the stage for her entry into the professional golf arena.
In 1974, Pat Bradley joined the LPGA Tour and embarked on a journey that would establish her as one of the most accomplished players in the history of women’s golf. Although it took a couple of years for her to secure her first victory, Bradley’s breakthrough came in 1976 when she triumphed at the Girl Talk Classic. That year, she also finished second in six tournaments, laying the foundation for her future success.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Pat Bradley’s star continued to rise. She had a particularly exceptional year in 1978, when she secured three victories. However, it was in the early to mid-1980s that Bradley reached the pinnacle of her career. In 1980, she clinched her first major championship at the Peter Jackson Classic. This milestone was followed by a victory at the U.S. Women’s Open in 1981 and another major win at the du Maurier Classic in 1985.
The year 1986 proved to be a remarkable turning point for Pat Bradley. She won three of the four LPGA majors that year, including the du Maurier Classic, Nabisco Dinah Shore, and LPGA Championship. Her exceptional performance earned her the distinction of narrowly missing the grand slam by finishing fifth in the U.S. Women’s Open, just three strokes behind the winner. Moreover, Bradley secured the money title and Vare Trophy for her outstanding achievements on the tour.
Despite facing a hurdle in the form of a Graves’ disease diagnosis in 1988, Bradley showed immense resilience and made a triumphant return to the sport. In 1989, she secured a victory, signaling her fierce determination to continue dominating on the golf course. Bradley went on to win three more tournaments in 1990, further solidifying her status as one of the leading forces in women’s golf.
In 1991, Pat Bradley once again displayed her exceptional prowess by capturing four victories, earning her second money title and scoring titles. Her remarkable achievements led to her being named LPGA Tour Player of the Year for a second time and cemented her legacy as one of the all-time greats in women’s golf. In recognition of her remarkable career, Bradley was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Throughout her career, Pat Bradley’s fellow LPGA Tour players recognized her as not only an exceptional golfer but also as an exemplar of key skills in the sport. In a New York Times survey published in 1992, she was ranked as the best long putter, best course manager, and best overall player on the tour. Her ability to navigate the golf course strategically and execute critical shots made her a formidable competitor.
Although her last LPGA victory came in 1995, Pat Bradley’s contributions to women’s golf remain indelible. Her success on the professional circuit, highlighted by 31 tour wins and six major championships, paved the way for future generations of female golfers. Bradley’s unwavering dedication, resilience, and consistently exceptional performances have solidified her as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a true trailblazer in the sport.
Awards:
– Member of the World Golf Hall of Fame