Shirley Spork, one of the 13 founders of the LPGA and who found out just two weeks ago that she was finally going into the LPGA Hall of Fame, died Tuesday at the age of 94. In addition to helping found the LPGA in 1950, Spork was the main driver behind the creation of the LPGA Teaching & Club Pro Division.
Spork was informed of her achievement at the LPGA’s first major of 2022, the Chevron Championship. She gained her long overdue induction into the Hall alongside Lorena Ochoa, after the committee removed the 10-year playing minimum, which allowed Ochoa to get in.
The two celebrated their good news together the day before the 51st and final edition of the major was played at Mission Hills Country in Rancho Mirage, California.
Shirley, 94, wanted to know if Lorena was going to play today! Also asked to see pics of her kids. So great for them to share this moment. Lorena thanked Shirley, who said “We had to mark the course and rule on ourselves and play for $3,000.” pic.twitter.com/hlVON4tyfU
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) March 30, 2022
Of the 13 founders, only five were already included. Now they’re all in. Spork, a local desert resident, who was still giving lessons into her 90s.
Spork received the news from LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan and said she was surprised.
“It’s a great honor,” said Spork. “I feel I’m very deserving of it, having developed the (LPGA) teaching division from 0 to 1,700 people.”
Spork and Ochoa practically bookend this tour, and no Hall of Fame that bears its name would be complete without them.
Marlene Hagge is now the only living LPGA founder.
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