Born: 1923 (North Muskegon, Michigan)
Died: 1966 (Detroit, Michigan)
Biography:
Sally Sessions (February 22, 1923 – December 23, 1966) was an American golfer who made significant contributions to the sport and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Known for her skill and determination, Sessions had a remarkable career that continues to inspire golfers to this day.
Born on February 22, 1923, Sally Sessions grew up in North Muskegon, Michigan. She attended North Muskegon High School in the late 1930s, where she excelled both on and off the golf course. Sessions initially showed promise as a tennis player and won a Michigan novice state championship at the age of 16. She also played basketball and softball, displaying her athleticism across multiple sports.
Sessions’ passion for golf emerged after she was grounded for sneaking off to play tennis in Grand Rapids. Undeterred, she redirected her focus towards golf and quickly made her mark. In 1941, she won a state junior title, establishing herself as a rising star in the golfing world. The following year, she claimed victory at the Western Michigan Women’s event and reached the quarterfinals of the Women’s Western Amateur.
World War II interrupted major golf tournaments, but Sessions remained active in local competitions. In 1944, she showcased her talent by becoming the medalist in qualifying for the Women’s Western Amateur. Two years later, she earned a Michigan state championship, solidifying her reputation as a formidable golfer. In the 1946 Titleholders Championship, she tied for fifth place, further validating her skill on a national stage.
Sessions’ most notable achievement came in 1947 when she competed in the U.S. Women’s Open as an amateur. Displaying incredible skill and determination, she finished in a tie for second place with fellow amateur Polly Riley, just six strokes behind the winner, Betty Jameson. This performance propelled Sessions into the national spotlight and cemented her status as one of the top female golfers of her time. She also became the Mexican Open champion later that year and became the first female player to record an under-par round at the prestigious Pinehurst Country Club.
In early 1948, Sally Sessions decided to turn professional, marking the next chapter in her career. While she posted a top-10 finish in the U.S. Women’s Open that year, her tournament success was cut short due to undiagnosed leukemia. Battling the illness, she ended her professional career after the 1949 All American Open, where she achieved her highest tournament finish as a professional, placing fifth.
Although her playing career was curtailed, Sessions remained deeply connected to the world of golf. She played a pivotal role in the creation of the LPGA Tour in 1950, serving as one of the 13 founders of the organization. Alongside Betty Jameson, she was named one of the first two treasurers of the LPGA. Sessions continued to impact the golfing world as a Wilson Sporting Goods staff professional, touring the United States and participating in golf clinics for the company.
Beyond golf, Sessions made further contributions to athletics by becoming an athletic director in the Detroit school system. Her leadership and dedication to sports inspired numerous young athletes, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Sadly, on December 23, 1966, Sessions passed away in Detroit at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and perseverance.
Awards:
– Posthumous induction into the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1987
– Induction into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 1988
– Announcement for induction into the Class of 2024 at the LPGA Hall of Fame, recognizing her role as one of the founding members of the LPGA Tour