Betsy Rawls, 4-time US Open champion and top administrator, dies at 95

LEWES, Del. — Betsy Rawls, a Hall of Fame golfer, passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Rawls, originally inclined towards physics, redirected her passion towards golf, achieving great success as a four-time U.S. Women’s Open champion and eventually becoming a key figure in tournament administration. She achieved a total of 55 wins and 8 major titles, earning her a place in both the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame. The CEO of the USGA and former LPGA Tour commissioner, Mike Whan, expressed his admiration for Rawls’ extraordinary career and contributions to the sport.

Rawls was a dedicated physicist student at the University of Texas before crossing paths with renowned swing coach Harvey Penick. Although she initially played golf for recreational purposes, Rawls made the decision to turn professional and was sponsored by Wilson, who provided financial support for 20 years. Throughout her career, she won numerous prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open, where she triumphed four times, trailing only the legendary Mickey Wright. She was praised by her peers for her commitment to the game and her lifelong dedication to its development.

Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on May 4, 1928, Rawls relocated to Texas in 1940. She maintained an impressive winning streak from 1951 to 1965, securing at least one victory each year. Rawls concluded her major-winning career at the age of 41 with a four-shot victory in the 1969 LPGA Championship. She held various leadership roles within the LPGA, serving as the organization’s president in 1961 and 1962. Additionally, Rawls became the first woman to work as a rules official in the men’s U.S. Open in 1980.

Rawls’ exceptional achievements and contributions to the sport were recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the inaugural class of the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1967 and the prestigious Bob Jones Award from the USGA in 1996. She later transitioned into tournament directing and successfully ran the LPGA Championship. Reflecting on her illustrious career, Rawls expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she received in golf and acknowledged that they exceeded anything she could have expected or deserved.

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