Kathy Ahern
Kathy Ahern (May 7, 1949 – July 6, 1996) was an American professional golfer on the LPGA Tour.[1][2][3]
| Kathy Ahern | |
|---|---|
 Ahern in 1972 | |
| Personal information | |
| Full name | Kathy Ahern |
| Born | May 7, 1949 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Died | July 6, 1996 (aged 47) Fountain Hills, Arizona |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Career | |
| Turned professional | 1967 |
| Retired | 1991 |
| Former tour(s) | LPGA Tour |
| Professional wins | 3 |
| Number of wins by tour | |
| LPGA Tour | 3 |
| Best results in LPGA major championships (wins: 1) | |
| Western Open | 24th: 1967 |
| Titleholders C'ship | DNP |
| ANA Inspiration | DNP |
| Women's PGA C'ship | Won: 1972 |
| U.S. Women's Open | T2: 1972 |
| du Maurier Classic | DNP |
Career
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ahern was raised in Dallas, Texas, and won the Texas women's public links title at age 15 in 1964.[1] She joined the LPGA Tour direct from high school in 1967 and won three events, including one major title, the LPGA Championship in 1972.[4]
Ahern's first win came at the Southgate Ladies Open in August 1970,[5] and the last at George Washington Classic in July 1972.[6] She was also a runner-up at the U.S. Women's Open in 1972, the week before her final win.[7] Ahern played little in the 1980s, but remained a presence around the tour and sometimes caddied for Sherri Turner.[1][8]
Death
After a five-year battle against breast cancer, Ahern died at age 47 at her mother's home in Fountain Hills, Arizona, northeast of Phoenix.[1][2][8] At the time of her death, she was a resident of Greenville, South Carolina.[2][8]
Professional wins
LPGA Tour wins (3)
| Legend |
| LPGA Tour major championships (1) |
| Other LPGA Tour (2) |
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | To par | Margin of victory | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 23, 1970 | Southgate Ladies Open | 72-72-67=211 | −5 | 3 strokes | Judy Rankin |
| 2 | Jun 11, 1972 | Eve-LPGA Championship | 75-73-76-69=293 | +1 | 6 strokes | Jane Blalock |
| 3 | Jul 9, 1972 | George Washington Classic | 78-68-67=213 | −6 | 1 stroke | Sandra Haynie |
Major championships
Wins (1)
| Year | Championship | Winning score | Margin | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Eve-LPGA Championship | +1 (75-73-76-69=293) | 6 strokes | Jane Blalock |
References
- Dorman, Larry (July 9, 1996). "Kathy Ahern, 47; Started L.P.G.A. career at 17". New York Times. (obituary). Retrieved April 14, 2018.
- "Kathy Ahern: Former pro golfer; helped fellow players". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. July 9, 1996. p. B4.
- "1972 LPGA champion Ahern loses battle with cancer at 47". Los Angeles Times. July 9, 1996. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
- "Kathy Ahern wins Eve LPGA by six strokes". Wilmington Morning Star. (North Carolina). UPI. June 12, 1972. p. 16.
- "First win for Ahern; shoots 67". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. August 24, 1970. p. 13.
- "Women's golf". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). July 10, 1972. p. 17.
- "Finishing 71 brings victory to Susie Maxwell Berning". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. July 3, 1972. p. 10.
- "Former pro golfer Kathy Ahern dies at 47 of breast cancer". Deseret News. (Salt Lake City, Utah). Associated Press. July 9, 1996. p. D4.
External links
- Texas Golf Association – Kathy Ahern
- Kathy Ahern at Find a Grave