Ruth Jessen
| Ruth Jessen | |
|---|---|
| — Golfer — | |
| Personal information | |
| Full name | Mary Ruth Jessen |
| Born |
November 12, 1936 Seattle, Washington |
| Died |
September 21, 2007 (aged 70) Phoenix, Arizona |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Nationality |
 United States |
| Career | |
| College | Seattle University |
| Turned professional | 1956 |
| Former tour(s) | LPGA Tour (1956–85) |
| Professional wins | 13 |
| Number of wins by tour | |
| LPGA Tour | 11 |
| Best results in LPGA Major Championships | |
| Western Open | T2: 1964 |
| Titleholders C'ship | 2nd: 1962 |
| Kraft Nabisco C'ship | DNP |
| LPGA Championship | 5th: 1963 |
| U.S. Women's Open | T2/2nd: 1962, 1964 |
| du Maurier Classic | CUT: 1984 |
Mary Ruth Jessen (November 12, 1936 – September 21, 2007) was an American professional golfer. She became a member of the LPGA Tour in 1956 and won 11 LPGA Tour victories in all.
Amateur career
Jessen was born in Seattle, Washington.[1] She briefly played on the men's golf team at Seattle University.[2] She was a three time winner of the Seattle City Championship from 1953 to 1955. She won the Washington State Amateur in 1954 and the Pacific Northwest Championship in 1954 and 1955. She was also the medalist at the 1953 National Junior Championship and runner-up at the 1956 National Collegiate Championship.
Professional career
Jessen turned professional in 1956 and joined the LPGA Tour.[1] She won 11 times[3] on the LPGA Tour between 1959 and 1971.[4][5][6] She finished as runner-up in major championships four times. Two of these were an 18-hole playoff lose at the 1962 Titleholders Championship and a sudden death playoff lose at the 1964 U.S. Women's Open, both to Mickey Wright. She was in the top-10 on the money list one time, finishing second in 1964.
Jessen suffered from several health issues throughout her career and won the 1971 Ben Hogan Award after returning from elbow surgery.[2][7] She was also known for her unusually wide putting stance.[1][7]
Jessen died in Phoenix, Arizona of lung cancer.[7]
Professional wins (13)
LPGA Tour wins (11)
- 1959 (1) Tampa Open
- 1961 (1) Peach Blossom Open
- 1962 (2) Dallas Civitan Open, Sacramento Open
- 1963 (1) Cosmopolitan Women's Open
- 1964 (5) Babe Zaharias Open Invitational, Yankee Women's Open, Omaha Jaycee Open Invitational, Hillside House Ladies' Open, Phoenix Thunderbirds Ladies' Open
- 1971 (1) Sears Women's World Classic
Other wins (2)
- 1963 Naples Professional
- 1965 Haig & Haig Scotch Foursome (with Gardner Dickinson)
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Elliott, Len; Kelly, Barbara (1976). Who's Who in Golf. New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House. p. 104. ISBN 0-87000-225-2.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ruth Jessen, 70; golfer won 11 times on the LPGA tour
- ↑ LPGA All-Time Winners List
- ↑ LPGA Tournament Chronology 1950-59
- ↑ LPGA Tournament Chronology 1960-69
- ↑ LPGA Tournament Chronology 1970-79
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Golf Digest - Passings of 2007
External links
- Ruth Jessen at the LPGA Tour official site
- Obituary from the Seattle Times
- Where Are They Now? Ruth Jessen, former LPGA standout