Whatever happened

Doing this series on the greats of golf from the past has been a rewarding experience. Gaining an insight into what these champions are currently involved with, now that their heydays on the golf course are behind them has proved to be very interesting and when considering who we should contact for this edition, a name popped up that we had not heard for some time. A name that was on everybody’s lips back in the day as she paved the way for South African female golfers. That name was none other than Sally Little.

Sally Little is a South African sporting icon, a golf superstar from the 70’s to the 90’s. She enjoyed a successful 28-year career as a professional golfer competing on the world stage where she won 15 LPGA titles, including two majors, the 1980 LPGA Championship and the 1988 Du Maurier Classic.

“Initially I was not so keen on golf because there were no young girls playing golf at the time and it was considered an old man’s sport”

SA Golf Trader chatted to Sally and asked her to take us back and tell us how it all began. “I was born in Sea Point, Cape town and came from a family who loved golf. My dad was a very fine golfer at Metropolitan Golf Club and my mom played at least a few times a week. I was introduced to sports from a very young age, and I participated in tennis, netball and swimming. I really aspired to be a top swimmer. Initially I was not so keen on golf because there were no young girls playing golf at the time and it was considered an old man’s sport, although I did caddy for my dad for pocket money.

“I started in an environment where golf was played for fun, I fell in love with the sport and wanted to improve to be the best. By the time I was 14, I was competing against the under 16 boys. There were not many other aspiring girls and golf was mainly dominated by men. By 1970 I had achieved everything that I possibly could as a South African amateur golfer.

“At the age of 19, I shared the desire to turn professional with my parents and the only place to grow during those times was America. So, I went across to the States and started off as an amateur. I entered a competition in Baltimore, Maryland, where I teed it up with the LPGA professionals. I finished 3rd in that event and that was what gave me all the my journey as a professional really began. professional, at the age of 20, I won rookie returned home.

“I had a difficult time adjusting in the States, lifestyle. I didn’t have many friends and I missing the support from my parents and really difficult for me. I then decided to return the U.S. to compete but always ended up very first tournament, the Women’s International many other victories thereafter. This is when and knew that I could compete against the

Although Sally initially battled getting used made the decision in 1982 to be become “It was a sore point for everyone around South Africa going through apartheid and world, I was being denied access into certain was not able to compete. Since I was making sense for me to become a US citizen” .

Sally went on to become the first female SA Hall of Fame. “Anytime you are honoured a humbling experience. I am exceptionally country and to leave a legacy that can set aspiring female golfers and put SA and ladies In 1970 Sally was honoured with the sportsman award, at a time when this was only given

“We began the Little Golf Trust 10 years ago time is spent working with young girls from different backgrounds”

There must have been challenges along the how did you handle them? “Golf has become big part of who I am. I would not change moments that were teachable moments. to have had good guidance along the way support structure. Disappointments there finishing 2nd twice in the women’s U.S. Open Championship – just an inch away from winning I took these as learnings, and it inspired me confidence to succeed and it’s where began. In 1971, in my first year as a rookie of the year in 7 events and then used to the American way of life, she become a U.S. citizen, we asked her about this. me at the time including me. But with and being boycotted everywhere in the certain countries which then meant that I making all my earnings in the U.S., it made

States, especially trying to fit in with the really missed my family. I was also and not having them there physically was return home. Each year I would return to up coming back home. In 1976 I won my International Championship and this led to when I truly became a seasoned player the Americans”.