Born: 1956 (Middlebury, Vermont)
Biography:
Patty Sheehan, born on October 27, 1956, is an American professional golfer who has left an indelible mark on the sport. With a career spanning over three decades, Sheehan became a member of the LPGA Tour in 1980 and went on to achieve remarkable success, winning six major championships and 35 LPGA Tour events in total. Today, she is recognized as one of the all-time greats of women’s golf and is a member of the prestigious World Golf Hall of Fame.
Sheehan’s journey to greatness began in Middlebury, Vermont, where she was born. Even at a young age, Sheehan showed exceptional talent and was rated as one of the top junior snow skiers in the country when she was just 13 years old. However, it was on the golf course where she would ultimately make her mark. Sheehan attended Earl Wooster High School in Reno, Nevada, where she continued to hone her skills. She dominated the competition, winning three consecutive Nevada high school championships from 1972 to 1974. Her success carried over to the state level, as she also captured three straight Nevada State Amateur titles from 1975 to 1978.
Sheehan’s impressive amateur career extended beyond her home state. She claimed victory in two consecutive California Women’s Amateurs in 1977 and 1978. In 1979, she reached the pinnacle of amateur golf when she finished as the runner-up in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The following year, she continued her winning ways by becoming the AIAW national individual intercollegiate golf champion. Sheehan’s exceptional play earned her a spot on the 1980 U.S. Curtis Cup team, where she delivered a perfect record of 4-0. She was also recognized for her outstanding achievements, receiving the Broderick Award in 1980. She is now honored as a member of both the Collegiate Golf Hall of Fame and the National High School Hall of Fame.
Turning professional in 1980, Sheehan wasted no time making an impact on the LPGA Tour. In her rookie year, she claimed her first professional victory at the Mazda Japan Classic, earning her the prestigious LPGA Rookie of the Year honors in 1981. Throughout the 1980s, Sheehan’s star continued to rise. She won four tournaments each in 1983 and 1984, including back-to-back LPGA Championship victories in those years. In 1983, she was awarded the LPGA Tour Player of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the game’s best. Sheehan’s accomplishments did not go unnoticed beyond the world of golf, as she was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 1987.
Despite her numerous successes, Sheehan faced personal and professional challenges. In 1989, tragedy struck when her home and possessions were destroyed in the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. However, Sheehan’s resilience and determination propelled her forward. In 1990, she suffered a heartbreaking loss at the U.S. Women’s Open, relinquishing an 11-shot lead to Betsy King. Undeterred, Sheehan rallied in the following years, recording five victories in 1990 and securing her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame with her 30th tour win in 1993.
Sheehan’s career continued to flourish throughout the 1990s. She won the prestigious U.S. Women’s Open not once but twice, in 1992 and 1994, becoming the first golfer to win both the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s British Open in the same year. In 1995, she triumphed at the Mazda LPGA Championship, and the following year, she emerged victorious at the Nabisco Dinah Shore (now known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship), marking her last LPGA Tour victory.
Throughout her career, Sheehan consistently finished in the top 10 on the LPGA money list, except for one year, from 1982 to 1993. While she never clinched the top spot, she secured second place five times during that span, a testament to her unwavering competitiveness and skill.
Patty Sheehan’s contributions to golf extend far beyond her individual achievements. She has also made a significant impact off the course through her philanthropic efforts. Sheehan hosts the Patty Sheehan & Friends tournament on the Legends Tour, a professional golf tour for women over the age of 45. This event serves as a platform to raise funds for women and children’s charities across Northern Nevada, showcasing Sheehan’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
In conclusion, Patty Sheehan is a legendary figure in women’s golf, known for her exceptional talent and remarkable career achievements. Her unwavering dedication, resilience in the face of adversity, and commitment to giving back have left an enduring legacy on the sport and society as a whole. Sheehan’s induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame and her numerous accolades stand as a testament to her enduring impact on women’s golf and her status as one of the all-time greats.
Awards:
-LPGA Tour Player of the Year (1983)
-Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (1987)
-Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame
-Inducted into the Collegiate Golf Hall of Fame
-Inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame
-Recipient of the Broderick Award (1980)