Golf legend · World Golf Hall of Fame
Betsy Rawls
Rawls combined eight majors and 55 LPGA victories with influential work in tournament administration, rules and service to the game.
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AT A GLANCE
Quick facts
- Country
- United States
- LPGA victories
- 55
- Major championships
- 8
- U.S. Women's Open titles
- 4
- Leading season
- 10 wins in 1959
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- 1987Enshrinement year listed by the Hall
THE STORY
What to know
A late start, rapid progress
She began golf at 17, won the Texas Amateur four years later and became U.S. Women's Open champion in 1951.
Four U.S. Opens
Wins in 1951, 1953, 1957 and 1960 anchor her major record. Two Western Opens and two LPGA Championships complete the eight.
Winning under pressure
Rawls described comfort in tense situations. Her 1969 LPGA Championship was particularly meaningful because she had begun to doubt another victory would come.
Running the game as well as playing it
After retiring in 1975, she became a tournament director. In 1980 she became the first woman to officiate at the men's U.S. Open.
CAREER & GOLF JOURNEY
Notable moments
First U.S. Open
Won in her first professional season.
Ten-win season
Included two majors and the Vare Trophy.
Bob Jones Award
Recognized for distinguished service.
HH TAKE
Why this profile is worth exploring
Rawls expands the idea of a golf career: tournament operations and rules can be as consequential to the sport's future as the wins that first make a name familiar.