Susie Maxwell Berning, a legendary golfer and Hall of Famer, has passed away at 83. She bravely battled lung cancer for a few years before she died on October 2 in Palm Springs.
The LPGA Tour shared their sadness over her passing, with commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praising Susie not only as a brilliant player but also as an inspiring figure for women in sports. “We will always point to her as a role model for balancing homelife and career,” she said.
Susie’s golfing achievements are remarkable. She won the US Women’s Open three times, including back-to-back victories in 1972 and 1973. Fans might think she’s one of the greatest ever! Her career was filled with honors like the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award in 1964.
Trailblazing Career:
Starting young, Susie excelled in golf from her teenage years in Oklahoma. Winning three straight high school championships led to her receiving the first female golf scholarship at Oklahoma City University, where she played on the men’s team—a groundbreaking move!
Despite playing only about 13 events per year between 1968 and 1977, she still managed to make history. In ’68, she won the US Women’s Open while playing just nine tournaments that year due to her honeymoon!
A true pioneer, Susie was among only four women who won a Major after becoming mothers. Alongside Juli Inkster and Nancy Lopez, she showed that motherhood and professional success could go hand-in-hand.
After retiring from competition, Susie dedicated herself to teaching golf in California and Colorado. Her induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame alongside Tiger Woods was a moment of immense pride for her.
Reflecting on this honor during the ceremony in 2022, Susie expressed joy at being recognized alongside legends like Mickey Wright: “I never even thought about it… I’m now part of their family.”
What do you think about Susie’s incredible journey?
