COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Judy Bell, whose dedication to golf led her to become the first woman to become president of the United States Golf Association, died Monday at her home in Colorado after spending 15 months in hospice care, the USGA announced. She was 89 years old.
Bell was 15 when she took the train from her native Kansas to California to compete in the U.S. Women’s Junior Championships. She lost in the semi-finals to the great Mickey Wright, taking the top spot. However, she played on two Curtis Cup teams and was also the U.S. captain of two Curtis Cup teams.
Her career was marked by volunteering on USGA committees, becoming a rules official and becoming the first woman to serve on the executive committee. She was elected president in 1996.
“Judy Bell was more than just a leader, she was a force of nature whose vision and compassion shaped the very soul of the game,” said USGA CEO Mike Wang. “Judy helped open the door for countless young girls to find their place, confidence and joy in golf. She broke down barriers not for recognition, but to make golf better and more welcoming for everyone.
“All of us at the USGA mourn her passing and celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who will continue to influence generations.”
Bell was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001 and was one of the first women to receive honorary life membership at the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews when the club voted to admit women to membership in 2015.
When asked how she felt about becoming the first female USGA president, she was quick-witted.
“I’ve only been president for a few hours, so I don’t know yet what it feels like to be president, but I’ve been president for 59 years, so I know what it feels like to be a woman,” she replied.
The USGA created the grant program during Bell’s two years as president and now contributes more than $65 million to golf programs for juniors, athletes with disabilities and other diverse groups.
“I’m passionate about the game of golf. I always want to give something back to golf because it gives me so much joy and pleasure,” Bell once said of spending so much time with the USGA. “Without a doubt, that is the true meaning of my volunteer work.”