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SA Golf Trader, May/June 2023 - Whatever happened to?... Sally Little
Whatever happened to?... Sally Little
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.
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 confidence to succeed and it’s where my journey as a professional really began. In 1971, in my first year as a professional, at the age of 20, I won rookie of the year in 7 events and then returned home.
“I had a difficult time adjusting in the States, especially trying to fit in with the lifestyle. I didn’t have many friends and I really missed my family. I was also missing the support from my parents and not having them there physically was really difficult for me. I then decided to return home. Each year I would return to the U.S. to compete but always ended up coming back home. In 1976 I won my very first tournament, the Women’s International Championship and this led to many other victories thereafter. This is when I truly became a seasoned player and knew that I could compete against the Americans”.
Although Sally initially battled getting used to the American way of life, she made the decision in 1982 to be become a U.S. citizen, we asked her about this. “It was a sore point for everyone around me at the time including me. But with South Africa going through apartheid and being boycotted everywhere in the world, I was being denied access into certain countries which then meant that I was not able to compete. Since I was making all my earnings in the U.S., it made sense for me to become a US citizen”.
Sally went on to become the first female golfer from SA to be inducted into the SA Hall of Fame. “Anytime you are honoured for your accomplishments it is such a humbling experience. I am exceptionally proud to be recognised by my country and to leave a legacy that can set an example to other aspiring female golfers and put SA and ladies golf on the map”. In 1970 Sally was honoured with the sportsman of the year award, at a time when this was only given to men.
There must have been challenges along the way, how did you handle them? “Golf has become a very big part of who I am. I would not change any of those moments that were teachable moments. I was blessed to have had good guidance along the way and a sound support structure. Disappointments there were many, finishing 2nd twice in the women’s U.S. Open Championship – just an inch away from winning it. I took these as learnings, and it inspired me to do better.
“I had the internal drive to be a champion so when I didn’t produce the results I expected, it was difficult for me. I was and still am extremely competitive. I am fortunate to be able to impart what I have learnt, and I embody the values that I was taught while learning to play the game of golf”.
What is Sally Little up to these days? “I decided to come back to South Africa, and I am living in my beautiful hometown of Cape Town. We began the Little Golf Trust 10 years ago and my time is spent working with young girls from different backgrounds where I share with them my life’s journey, how important education is and of course, I teach them the game of golf. Golf is a sport that offers massive opportunities on many different levels.
“The game of golf will always be my first love - it fills my soul. I am fortunate to be an honorary member at most golf clubs in South Africa. I don’t play as often as I would like to because the Trust keeps me rather busy but when I do play – it’s pure joy “.
