Born: 1927 (Redford, Michigan)
Died: 2022
Biography:
Shirley G. Spork (May 14, 1927 – April 12, 2022) was an American professional golfer and one of the founders of the LPGA Tour. Known for her dedication to the sport and her contributions as a teacher, Spork leaves behind a lasting legacy in women’s golf.
Spork was raised outside Detroit in Redford, Michigan. She grew up in a household where golf was not a family activity, but her family home was adjacent to the Bonnie Brook Golf Course. This proximity sparked her interest in golf from a young age. At just 13 years old, she used her entrepreneurial spirit to collect, wash, and resell golf balls, eventually saving enough money to purchase her own set of golf clubs. She began practicing diligently, honing her skills during after-hours sessions at the course.
Her talent became evident when she started playing in tournaments in Detroit as a teenager. The Detroit Free Press took notice and described her as one of the future stars of Detroit. Spork further developed her skills by attending a golf school given by the Free Press, setting the stage for her future success.
In 1944, Spork achieved one of her first major wins at a Red Cross golf event. Her performance attracted attention, and she caught the eye of college recruiters. Despite her parents’ initial discouragement, Spork enrolled at Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) in 1945. Determined to showcase her golfing prowess alongside her academic pursuits, Spork made a memorable impact during her college career.
In June 1946, Spork won top honors at the Women’s District Golf Association tournament, further solidifying her status as a rising golf star. The following year, she triumphed in the national individual intercollegiate golf championship, a remarkable achievement considering she played in the tournament in-between her final exams. Spork continued to excel and emerged as the runner-up in the intercollegiate championship in 1948. She graduated from college in 1949.
Despite graduating before the implementation of Title IX in 1972, Spork remained dedicated to promoting gender equality in sports. She supported the women’s golf team at Eastern Michigan University by establishing an endowment in her honor and hosting an annual fall women’s collegiate tournament at EagleCrest Golf Club.
Following her college career, Spork turned professional and began competing in professional golf events in 1950. Alongside her playing career, she joined Bowling Green State University’s health and physical education department in the fall of 1950. Spork’s passion for teaching extended beyond the university grounds, as she found her true calling as a golf instructor.
In 1950, Spork became one of the thirteen founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Her involvement in establishing the LPGA laid the groundwork for future generations of women golfers to pursue their dreams in a professional capacity. Spork’s impact extended beyond the United States, as she embarked on a tour of the United Kingdom and France in 1951 to promote international golfing opportunities for women.
Recognized for her teaching prowess, Spork was named the LPGA Teacher of the Year in 1959 and again in 1984. Her dedication to educating aspiring golfers was not limited to the LPGA; she also taught golf with the National Golf Foundation. In addition to her teaching career, Spork remained an active player, competing well into her nineties.
Shirley Spork’s contributions to the sport of golf and her advocacy for women’s presence and recognition in the field have left an indelible mark on the sport’s history. Her talent, perseverance, and dedication inspire generations of golfers, proving that barriers can be broken and dreams realized with passion and hard work.
Awards:
– LPGA Teacher of the Year (1959, 1984)