Betsy Rawls — Texas Golf Hall of Fame

Betsy Rawls grew up in Arlington, Texas, and did not take up golf until she was in her late teens. As a University of Texas student, Rawls sought out Austin teacher Harvey Penick.

Rawls, a physics and math major, graduated from the University of Texas Phi Beta Kappa. She learned quickly from Penick. Four years after taking up golf, Rawls won the Texas Amateur and the Women’s Trans National. In 1950 she won the Texas Amateur again and followed up with the Broadmoor Invitational. Betsy captured 55 LPGA victories and was fourth on the list of the Tour’s leading winners.

She won eight majors and led the Tour wins in 1952, 1957, 1959. Her twenty-year career was highlighted in 1959 when she captured 10 titles and the Vare Trophy. She was the LPGA tournament director from 1975-81. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1987 and was named one of Golf Magazine’s “100 Heroes” in 1988.

Birthplace: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Born: May 4, 1928