At Tuesday night's 58th annual Metropolitan Golf Writers Association (MGWA) National Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich in Old Greenwich, Conn., LPGA Founder Louise Suggs was recognized for her pioneering career achievements. Ron Sirak, executive editor of Golf World and president of the MGWA presented Louise with Gold Tee Award, the MGWA's highest honor. Nearly 600 people were on hand to honor Louise, as well as the evening's other honorees. Arnold Palmer presented his long-time friend and confidant Doc Giffen with the Winnie Palmer Award; Jim Nantz was on hand to present Rolex with the Bing Crosby Tournament Sponsor Award and co-present the Mary Be Porter Award to D.J. Gregory. Also in attendance was Pat O'Sullivan Lucey, one of four amateurs to win an LPGA title. She won the 1951 Titleholders Championship.
Louise joins an elite club of distinguished individuals who have received the Gold Tee Award that includes Patty Berg, Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam. Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead and Phil Mickelson. The MGWA's National Awards Dinner is the largest (and longest running) golf dinner held annually in the U.S. Proceeds from the dinner are distributed to the Metropolitan (New York) area scholarship programs and the MGA Foundation. More than $950,000 has been raised over the years for charitable endeavors.
A member of the LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Fame, Suggs' influence in golf began before she turned professional in 1948. As a pro, she earned 58 victories, including 11 major championships and became the first woman ever elected to the Georgia Athletic Hall of Fame in 1966. In 2007, she received the Bob Jones Award from the USGA - also the highest honor bestowed on an individual in recognition of their distinguished sportsmanship in golf - and also received the Golf Writers Association of America's William D. Richardson Award in 2008 for her consistent and outstanding contributions to golf.
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