Eight-time major winner Betsy Rawls dies at 95

LEWES, Del. — Betsy Rawls, a former physicist turned professional golfer, had an extraordinary career that began with four U.S. Women’s Open victories and led her to become a respected tournament administrator. Rawls passed away at her beach home in Delaware at the age of 95.

Rawls, who won a total of 55 LPGA Tour titles, including eight major championships, will always be remembered for her significant contributions to the sport. Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA and former LPGA Tour commissioner, praised Rawls for her remarkable achievements.

Rawls ranked sixth in both the number of wins and major victories. She was also inducted into the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Bob Jones Award. Moreover, she served as the tournament director for the LPGA Championship for 17 years.

Whan acknowledged that Rawls would have excelled in any career she pursued, but the world of golf was fortunate that she chose to make it her passion.

Rawls initially intended to pursue a career in physics and was studying at the University of Texas. However, her path changed when she started working with renowned swing coach Harvey Penick. Rawls’ talent quickly became evident, as she won two Texas Women’s Amateur titles and finished runner-up in the 1950 U.S. Women’s Open against the legendary Babe Zaharias.

In an interview with the LPGA, Rawls revealed her decision to turn professional, saying, “I played golf for fun and never considered turning professional. Then I decided it would be more fun to be in golf than physics, and Wilson paid me a salary and all my expenses. They paid my expenses for 20 years. One year, I gave 120 clinics.”

Rawls’ career took off with a five-shot victory over Louise Suggs in the 1951 U.S. Women’s Open. She went on to win a total of four titles in the prestigious tournament, a feat matched only by the late Mickey Wright.

Mickey Wright, who herself was one of the most accomplished players in women’s golf, described Rawls as someone who was fully committed to the game and dedicated to her work. Wright believed that only Rawls and Patty Berg had achieved as much, not only as players but also for their lifetime contributions to the sport.

Betsy Rawls was born on May 4, 1928, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but spent most of her childhood in Arlington, Texas. Throughout her career, she won at least one tournament every year from 1951 to 1965. Her final major victory came at the age of 41 in the 1969 LPGA Championship, where she triumphed by four shots.

In addition to her victories, Rawls topped the LPGA Tour money list in 1952 and 1959. She also won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 1959 and led the LPGA Tour in victories three times.

Rawls was part of the inaugural class inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1967 and was honored with the Bob Jones Award by the USGA in 1996, the highest recognition in the sport. In 1980, she became the first woman to work as a rules official at the men’s U.S. Open.

Rawls served as the president of the LPGA in 1961 and 1962. After retiring from full-time competition in 1975, she continued to contribute to the sport as a tournament director. Her dedication and achievements in golf left her feeling grateful and fortunate for the opportunities she had received.