Sandra Spuzich
Sandra Spuzich (April 3, 1937 – October 6, 2015) was an American professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
| Sandra Spuzich | |
|---|---|
| Personal information | |
| Born | April 3, 1937 Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Died | October 6, 2015 (aged 78) Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Partner | Joyce Kazmierski |
| Career | |
| College | Indiana University |
| Turned professional | 1962 |
| Retired | 1992 |
| Former tour(s) | LPGA Tour (1962–92) |
| Professional wins | 8 |
| Number of wins by tour | |
| LPGA Tour | 7 |
| Other | 1 |
| Best results in LPGA major championships (wins: 1) | |
| Western Open | T15: 1966 |
| Titleholders C'ship | 9th: 1966 |
| ANA Inspiration | T23: 1983 |
| Women's PGA C'ship | 4th: 1968 |
| U.S. Women's Open | Won: 1966 |
| du Maurier Classic | T10: 1983 |
Spuzich was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, of Polish, Serbian, Macedonian and Lebanese descent.[1] She was an amateur golfer and elementary school teacher when she decided to turn professional in 1962. Her first win came at the 1966 U.S. Women's Open by one stroke over Carol Mann and two strokes over Mickey Wright.[2] The tournament was held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota – the first major championship played there.
In 1982 at the age of 45, Spuzich became the oldest player to win two LPGA Tour events in the same year when she won the Corning Classic followed by the Mary Kay Classic.[3]
Spuzich died in Indianapolis on October 6, 2015. Her life partner was fellow LPGA golfer Joyce Kazmierski.[4]
Professional wins
LPGA Tour wins (7)
| Legend |
| LPGA Tour major championships (1) |
| Other LPGA Tour (6) |
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory |
Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jul 3, 1966 | U.S. Women's Open | +9 (75-74-76-72=297) | 1 stroke | Carol Mann |
| 2 | Aug 3, 1969 | Buckeye Savings Invitational | +3 (71-72-70=213) | 3 strokes | Judy Rankin |
| 3 | May 5, 1974 | Lady Tara Classic | E (71-76-72=219) | Playoff | Donna Caponi Kathy Whitworth |
| 4 | May 29, 1977 | Lady Keystone Open | −9 (68-66-67=201) | 1 stroke |  Silvia Bertolaccini |
| 5 | Sep 7, 1980 | Barth Classic | −4 (73-70-69=212) | 2 strokes | Carolyn Hill Lori Garbacz |
| 6 | May 30, 1982 | Corning Classic | −8 (69-72-70-69=280) | Playoff | Patty Sheehan |
| 7 | Sep 12, 1982 | Mary Kay Classic | −10 (70-69-67=206) | 1 stroke |  Carole Charbonnier |
LPGA Tour playoff record (2–2)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1968 | Corpus Christi Civitan Open | Judy Rankin |
Lost to par on second extra hole |
| 2 | 1974 | Lady Tara Classic | Donna Caponi Kathy Whitworth |
Won with par on fifth extra hole Whitworth eliminated with par on third hole |
| 3 | 1974 | Bluegrass Invitational | JoAnne Carner |
Lost to bogey on first extra hole |
| 4 | 1982 | Corning Classic | Patty Sheehan |
Won with par on first extra hole |
Other wins (1)
- 1966 Haig & Haig Scotch Foursome (with Jack Rule, Jr.)
Major championships
Wins (1)
| Year | Championship | Winning score | Margin | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | U.S. Women's Open | +9 (75-74-76-72=297) | 1 stroke | Carol Mann |
References
- Joyce Kazmierski and Sandra Spuzich: A Golf Love Story Comes Out of the Closet
- "Up from the Basement". Time. July 15, 1966. Retrieved January 8, 2008.
- "Miss Spuzich Wins". The New York Times. September 13, 1982. Retrieved January 8, 2008.
- "Sandra Spuzich Obituary". The Indianapolis Star. October 9, 2015.