Patty Berg Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Patricia Jane "Patty" Berg, born on February 13, 1918, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an American professional golfer who carved out a significant place in the history of women's golf. Her career was marked by numerous victories and records, and she is recognized as a pioneer for women in the sport.

Berg started her golfing career at an early age, winning the Minneapolis City Championship at 15. Turning professional in 1940, she became one of the founding members of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in 1950. She served as the organization's first president from 1950 to 1952.

Despite the interruption of her career by World War II, where she served as a lieutenant in the Marine Corps, Berg's record in golf is impressive. She accumulated a total of 60 victories on the LPGA Tour, a record that stood for nearly four decades. She also held the record for most major championship victories with 15, a record that stood until 1999.

Berg's success on the course is matched by her recognition off it. She received the inaugural Vare Trophy in 1941 for having the lowest season scoring average. In 1951, she became the first woman to win the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award. In 1974, Berg was among the first inductees into the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame. Her legacy, however, lives on in the form of the Patty Berg Award, presented annually by the LPGA to an individual who exemplifies diplomacy, sportsmanship, goodwill, and contributions to the world of golf.