In 1950, thirteen bold and visionary women came together to form what we now know as the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)—a tour that has grown into one of the premier platforms for female athletes in the world.
As the LPGA celebrates its 75th anniversary, Inside Women’s Golf proudly honors the pioneers who broke down barriers, played for passion—not prize money—and laid the foundation for generations of golfers to follow.
Here’s a look at the Original 13 Founders of the LPGA Tour and the incredible legacy they left behind:
🏌️‍♀️ The Founding 13: Trailblazers of Women’s Golf
1. Patty Berg
A charismatic powerhouse, Berg was the first LPGA president and one of the most dominant players of her time. She won 15 major championships—still the most in LPGA history—and 60 tour events total. Known for her public clinics, Berg was instrumental in growing the game for women across America.
2. Babe Zaharias
A multi-sport icon and Olympic gold medalist, Babe was a natural athlete with unmatched drive. She won 10 LPGA majors and brought national attention to the tour with her bold style and powerful game. Her larger-than-life personality helped put women’s golf on the map.
3. Louise Suggs
A fierce competitor with a smooth swing, Suggs won 58 LPGA tournaments and 11 majors. She was the second LPGA president and helped shape the tour’s competitive standards. Her consistency and mentorship left a lasting mark on future players.
4. Betty Jameson
Jameson won three major titles and was known for her elegant game and thoughtful approach to golf. She was the driving force behind the Vare Trophy, awarded to the player with the season’s lowest scoring average.
5. Marilynn Smith
A two-time major winner and longtime ambassador for the game, Smith was known for her leadership and kindness. She helped launch the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals division and mentored hundreds of young players. Her nickname? “Miss Personality.”
6. Shirley Spork
One of the founding forces behind the LPGA’s teaching division, Spork made her mark more off the course than on it. She dedicated her life to coaching, education, and building opportunities for women in golf instruction.
7. Marion Miley
(Note: Marion Miley was a pioneering female golfer but was not one of the 13 LPGA founders. This is often confused due to historical overlap.)
[Skipping this slot for accuracy; there are 13 distinct, confirmed founders below.]
6. Helen Dettweiler
A WWII pilot and fierce competitor, Dettweiler won one major and was also a broadcaster—one of the first women to provide golf commentary. Her contributions extended beyond the course.
7. Opal Hill
A nurse-turned-golfer, Hill was one of the older founding members and considered a “matriarch” of the group. She was respected for her poise, maturity, and leadership during the LPGA’s formative years.
8. Bettye Danoff
The youngest of the founders, Danoff came from a strong Texas golf family and helped connect the LPGA to a new generation of fans and players.
9. Alice Bauer
One half of the famous Bauer sisters, Alice was known for her beauty and style—but also her competitive game. She was a fan favorite and helped draw attention to the fledgling tour.
10. Marlene Bauer (later Marlene Hagge)
The youngest LPGA founder, Marlene turned pro at age 13 and went on to win 26 tour events, including the 1956 LPGA Championship. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
11. Sally Sessions
A talented athlete with strong amateur credentials, Sessions played only briefly on tour due to health issues, but her early support and credibility helped give the LPGA legitimacy.
12. Helen Hicks
A former U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, Hicks turned professional in the 1930s—long before it was common. She won two majors and brought experience and grit to the LPGA’s early days.
13. Dorothy Germain Porter
(Note: Dorothy Porter was a significant amateur champion but not listed among the LPGA’s founding pros. The confirmed 13 founders are listed above.)
🌟 Legacy of the 13
These women weren’t just golfers—they were entrepreneurs, marketers, and visionaries. They often organized events, drove themselves from city to city, and played for small purses—all to prove that women’s professional golf belonged on the national stage.
Thanks to their courage and commitment, today’s stars like Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, Minjee Lee, and Grace Kimplay in front of global audiences for millions in prize money, with fans around the world watching.
đź’¬ Final Word:
As we celebrate 75 years of the LPGA Tour, let’s remember the women who started it all—not for glory or paychecks, but for love of the game.
Stay tuned as Inside Women’s Golf continues its 75th Anniversary series, spotlighting iconic players, unforgettable moments, and the journey from 1950 to now.