Marlene Hagge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marlene Hagge |
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Hagge in 1956
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| Personal information | |
| Full name | Marlene Bauer Hagge |
| Born | February 16, 1934 Eureka, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | May 16, 2023 (aged 89) |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Residence | La Quinta, California, U.S. |
| Career | |
| Turned professional | 1950 |
| Former tour(s) | LPGA Tour (Founder) |
| Professional wins | 26 |
| Number of wins by tour | |
| LPGA Tour | 26 |
| Best results in LPGA Major Championships (Wins: 1) |
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| Western Open | 2nd: 1965 |
| Titleholders C'ship | 3rd: 1957 |
| Kraft Nabisco C'ship | T26: 1987 |
| LPGA Championship | Won: 1956 |
| U.S. Women's Open | T2: 1952 |
| du Maurier Classic | T25: 1981 |
| Achievements and awards | |
| World Golf Hall of Fame | 2002 |
| Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year |
1949 |
| LPGA Tour Money Winner |
1956 |
| Commissioner's Award (LPGA Founders) |
2000 |
Marlene Hagge (born February 16, 1934, died May 16, 2023) was an amazing American professional golfer. She was one of the 13 women who started the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) in 1950. Marlene won a major golf championship and 26 LPGA Tour events during her career. She is also a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, which is a huge honor in golf!
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Marlene Hagge's Early Golf Years
Marlene Hagge was born in Eureka, South Dakota, on February 16, 1934. She started playing golf when she was just 3 years old. She quickly became very good at the sport.
At age 10, Marlene won a big competition called the Long Beach City Boys Junior. This shows how talented she was, even at a young age.
Teenage Golf Achievements
When Marlene was 13, she won several important tournaments. These included the Western and National Junior Championships. She also won the Los Angeles Women's City Championship.
In 1947, at only 13, she made the cut at the U.S. Women's Open. This meant she played well enough to continue in the tournament. She finished in eighth place, which was incredible for someone so young.
By age 15, in 1949, Marlene was recognized as a top athlete. She was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year. She also won the U.S. Girls' Junior title.
Becoming a Professional Golfer
Marlene Hagge made history in 1950. She was the youngest of the 13 women who founded the LPGA. This organization helped professional women golfers. Her older sister, Alice Bauer, was also one of the founders. Marlene is still the youngest person ever to join the LPGA Tour.
First Wins and Major Success
Marlene won her first professional tournament in 1952. It was called the Sarasota Open. She went on to win a total of 26 events on the LPGA Tour.
In 1956, Marlene had an incredible year. She won eight tournaments, more than anyone else that year. One of her biggest wins was the 1956 LPGA Championship. This was a major championship, which is one of the most important titles in golf. She also earned the most money on the tour that year.
Hall of Fame Recognition
In 2002, Marlene Hagge was voted into the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame. She was officially inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates the greatest golfers of all time. Marlene played her last professional tournament in 1996.
Marlene Hagge's Life and Legacy
Marlene Hagge lived in La Quinta, California, for many years. She was married to fellow golfer Ernie Vossler from 1995 until his death in 2013.
Marlene Hagge passed away on May 16, 2023, at the age of 89. She left behind an amazing legacy in golf. She helped create opportunities for women in sports and inspired many young golfers.
Major Championship Wins
Marlene Hagge won one major championship during her career.
| Year | Championship | Winning score | Margin | Runner-up |
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| 1956 | LPGA Championship | −9 (69-73-73-76=291) | Playoff 1 |  Patty Berg |
1 Won on the first extra hole in a sudden-death playoff.
