LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The LPGA Tour has verified that Betsy Rawls, who secured eight major championships among her 55 LPGA Tour victories, died at the age of 95 at her residence on the Delaware coast.
Rawls had discussed her impressive golf skills with fellow World Golf Hall of Famer Kathy Whitworth just a few years ago.
Whitworth, who died in December 2022, stands as the most triumphant player in the history of both men's and women's professional golf, with 88 LPGA Tour victories to her name.
Betsy Rawls' golf career
Rawls joined her in this elite echelon with a remarkable 55 career victories and eight major championships, a feat that was only surpassed by Mickey Wright, Louise Suggs, Annika Sorenstam, and Babe Zaharias.
Rawls and Wright share the distinction of being the only players to claim four US Women’s Open titles.
In Betsy Rawls' own words, "I thought I was going to be a winner, and as I went along, winning became easier and easier. It was something I expected to do. I always played well under pressure because it didn’t bother me, which was why I won so many tournaments."
Rawls' talents extended beyond the golf course. As highlighted in a tribute by Ron Sirak, Rawls' intelligence was as noteworthy as her golf prowess.
She began playing golf at the age of 17 and, despite graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Texas with a degree in physics, decided to make a career in golf. Wilson Sporting Goods offered to sponsor her and cover all her expenses to promote their products at golf clinics.
Reflecting on her transition to golf from physics, Rawls recalled, as per Golf Digest, "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."
Not only did Rawls dedicate herself to promoting golf equipment, but she continued to compete vigorously. Her rookie season on the LPGA Tour in 1951 bore fruit with her first victory at the Sacramento Women’s Invitational Open, followed by an impressive five-shot win over Louise Suggs in the US Women’s Open.
Eight major championships and numerous victories
Over a 19-year span, Rawls clinched eight major championships, with her final major victory occurring at the 1969 LPGA Championship. In 1959, she received the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average, a year in which she achieved a career-best 10 tournament victories. Rawls also topped the money list on the tour in 1952 and 1959.
Even after her retirement from competitive golf in 1975, Rawls continued to leave her mark on women’s golf.
She served as the tournament director for the McDonald’s LPGA Championship from 1987 to 2004, further contributing to the sport's growth and development. In 1996, she received the USGA’s most prestigious honor, the Bob Jones Award.
"Anybody who can make a living in golf is lucky," she said. "Then to receive all the benefits accorded to me in the process, well, it makes me feel fortunate. It’s more than I could possibly deserve."
Rawls was highly respected by her fellow athletes. Ron Sirak's tribute noted the late Kathy Whitworth's words, "Winning the Women's Open four times and tying Betsy at four is the most important statistic in my resume. I can think of only two women who have achieved as much, not only as players but for their lifetime contributions, and that’s Betsy and Patty Berg."
Internet mourns Betsy Rawls' death
The golfing community and fans across the world are deeply saddened by the news of the legend's death.
"Very sad to hear of the passing of Betsy Rawls. She was a great Champion and a supportive player to my career. She was always so kind. Rest in peace Betsy. I hope you are shooting under par up in heaven," a user wrote on X.
Another said, "I am saddened to hear that Betsy Rawls passed away today. Betsy was not only a great player & great lady, but was the head of tournament officials & became the director of the McDonald’s Championship. She was a fellow South Carolinian and definitely a mentor to me in my career."
"A leader, a passionate member of the LPGA, a true pioneer. Lost but should not be forgotten. A full and good life lived. Be at peace," someone else noted.
"She was one of the finest people I've met in any walk of life," replied another.
"Betsy Rawls was such a player! A brilliant mind and so very nice. One of the players, when I was a teenager, who was always great to me ! I admired her for sure! Lived a long and good life. RIP," a tweet read.
