Susie Maxwell Berning, a trailblazing figure in women's golf, passed away on October 2, 2024, at her home in Palm Springs, California. The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced that the 83-year-old golf legend succumbed to lung cancer after a two-year battle.
Berning's illustrious career was marked by numerous achievements, including three U.S. Women's Open victories in 1968, 1972, and 1973. The U.S. Women's Open, established in 1946, holds the distinction of being the oldest major championship in women's professional golf. Berning's triumphs in this prestigious tournament solidified her status as one of the sport's elite players.
In 2022, Berning received the ultimate recognition for her contributions to golf when she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. This honor placed her alongside other golfing greats, including Tiger Woods, who was inducted in the same class. The World Golf Hall of Fame, located in St. Augustine, Florida, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of golf's most influential figures.
Berning's journey in golf began in an unconventional manner. Born on July 22, 1941, in Pasadena, California, she moved to Oklahoma City at the age of 13. It was there that a chance encounter with a spooked horse led her to the fairways of Lincoln Park Golf Course, established in 1922. This serendipitous event sparked her interest in the sport, particularly after witnessing a clinic by Patty Berg, one of the LPGA's founding members.
"I said to myself: 'Oh, boy, she's having a lot of fun. If that's what golf is about, I think I want to try it.'"
Berning's talent quickly became evident as she claimed three consecutive state high school titles. Her prowess on the course led to a groundbreaking opportunity: she became the first female recipient of a golf scholarship at Oklahoma City University, where she competed on the men's team. This achievement was particularly noteworthy given that golf scholarships for women were a rarity in the 1950s.
In 1964, Berning turned professional and was named LPGA Rookie of the Year, an award first introduced just two years earlier. Throughout her career, she accumulated 11 LPGA Tour titles, including the Western Open in 1965, which was considered a major championship at the time.
Berning's success on the course was matched by her ability to balance her professional career with family life. She married Dale Berning in 1968, the same year she captured her first U.S. Women's Open title. In 1970, while pregnant with her first daughter, Robin, Berning limited her tournament appearances. She returned to competitive golf with remarkable success, securing back-to-back U.S. Women's Open victories in 1972 and 1973.
"I always thought that having my own family on tour was not just a blessing, but it was an advantage. No matter how the round went, I was Mom first."
After her playing career, Berning transitioned into teaching, becoming a highly respected instructor. She divided her time between the Reserve Club in Palm Springs, California, opened in 1998, and Maroon Creek Club in Aspen, Colorado, a Tom Fazio design that debuted in 1995. Her teaching philosophy emphasized the importance of hand-eye coordination and proper footwork in the golf swing.
Berning's approach to golf instruction reflected her deep understanding of the game's complexities. She advocated for a swing-focused method, stating in 2021, "I still believe that we should swing the golf club. We don't try and hit the ball with our core. My hands are the most important thing I have in golf. And then the second-most important thing is my feet."
As the golfing world mourns the loss of Susie Maxwell Berning, her legacy as a champion, pioneer, and teacher will continue to inspire future generations of golfers. Her remarkable journey from an accidental encounter with the sport to the pinnacle of golfing excellence serves as a testament to her talent, dedication, and enduring impact on the game of golf.