Betty Hicks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Betty Hicks |
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|---|---|
| Personal information | |
| Born | November 16, 1920 Long Beach, California |
| Died | February 20, 2011 (aged 90) Aptos, California |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Residence | Cupertino, California |
| Career | |
| College | Pomona College Long Beach City College |
| Turned professional | 1941 |
| Former tour(s) | LPGA Tour (joined at founding in 1950) |
| Professional wins | 1 |
| Best results in LPGA Major Championships |
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| LPGA Championship | 6th: 1955 |
| U.S. Women's Open | 2nd: 1948, 1954 |
Elizabeth M. "Betty" Hicks (November 16, 1920 – February 20, 2011) was an amazing American woman. She was a professional golfer, a golf coach, a teacher, an aviator (someone who flies planes), and an author. She also played golf using her married name, Betty Hicks Newell.
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Betty Hicks: A Golf Star
Betty Hicks was born in Long Beach, California. She started playing golf when she was young. She quickly became a very good amateur golfer.
Early Golf Success
In 1941, Betty won the U.S. Women's Amateur championship. This was a huge win for her! Because of her talent, she was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year. Later that same year, she decided to become a professional golfer. Betty also went to Pomona College and finished her studies in 1947.
Playing on the LPGA Tour
Betty Hicks played on the LPGA Tour, which is a major professional golf tour for women. She often finished in second place during the 1950s. She was second in the U.S. Women's Open in both 1948 and 1954. She also placed third in this important tournament in 1957. In 1944, she won the All American Open. This tournament later became a part of the LPGA Tour.
More Than Just a Golfer
Betty Hicks had many talents beyond playing golf. She was also a coach, a pilot, and a writer.
Coaching and Aviation
Betty coached the women's golf team at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California. She also helped manage the aviation department there. This shows her interest in both sports and flying!
A Talented Author
Betty Hicks also wrote several books.
- In 1949, she co-wrote "Golf Manual for Teachers" with Ellen Griffin.
- In 1996, she teamed up with Patty Sheehan to write "Patty Sheehan on Golf."
- In 2006, she wrote her own story called "My Life: From Fairway to Airway." This book talks about her life in golf and her second career as a pilot.
Awards and Recognition
Betty Hicks is a member of many important halls of fame. This means her achievements are remembered and celebrated.
- She is in the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Hall of Fame.
- She is also in the Long Beach Golf Hall of Fame.
- The San Jose Sports Hall of Fame also includes her.
- She is part of the Women's Sports Foundation International Hall of Fame.
- The California Golf Writers Hall of Fame recognized her too.
- Because of her work as a pilot, she is in the International Forest of Friendship Aviation Hall of Fame.
In 1999, Betty won the Ellen Griffin Rolex award. She received this award for helping the LPGA grow. She also taught many women how to play golf.
A Different Betty Hicks
Sometimes, people get Betty Hicks confused with another golfer named Helen Hicks. Helen won the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1931. Even though they had similar names, they were different people!
Betty Hicks passed away on February 20, 2011.
