The website www.todaysladygolfer.com recalls for us that when the LPGA was in its infancy, many believed that women who played golf couldn't possibly be "ladies"! The sport has grown by leaps and bounds with many women and girls enjoying the game of golf today. In 1950, 13 courageous women who wanted to play professional golf. founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). These 13 LPGA founders were: Alice Bauer, Patty Berg, Bettye Danoff, Helen Detweiler, Marlene Bauer Hagge, Helen Hicks, Opal Hill, Betty Jameson, Sally Sessions, Marilynn Smith, Shirley Spork, Louise Suggs and Babe Zaharias. Patty Berg was elected the LPGA's first presidents and she was succeeded by Louise Suggs. In 1959 these women established a year-long circuit of tournaments. In 1952, the LPGA had a schedule of 21 events which was 3 times the number of tournaments two years earlier. As time when on, the LPGA experienced growing interest and acceptance as more and more women turned to the sport. In 1963 the LPGA had its first tournament television coverage which gave the tour a financial boost. It is important to note that the LPGA is one of the longest-running sports associations in the world. The organization has grown from its roots as a playing tour into a non-profit organization involved in every possible facet of golf. The LPGA Tour and the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) comprise the backbone of this premier women's organization today. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991. It offers Junior golf programs, scholarships, financial assistance and conducts research and to develop educational activities related to golf teaching. The LPGA Charitable Giving Program raises money for charity which is one of the main objectives of the LPGA. Since 1981 their charitable donations total nearly $200 million.
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