Dakota County History 101: Professional Golfer Patty Berg (1918-2006)

Patty Berg was born February 13, 1918 in Lakeville. Berg took a liking to golf at a young age as her brother and father (a 10-handicap) participated in the sport regularly. Although it took some convincing from Patty, her father bought her a junior membership to Edina’s Interlachen Country Club in 1931. 

After only two years of tutelage from Interlachen Country Club head professional Willie Kidd, Jr., Berg won her first of 29 amateur tournaments at age 15. Held at her home course, Interlachen, Berg placed second in the 1935 U.S. Women’s Amateur.  Berg went on to attend the University of Minnesota and learned from legendary coach Les Bolstad, who would remain her teacher for 40 years.  In 1938, Berg won the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

With nothing left to prove in amateur golf, Berg turned professional in 1940.  She would proceed to win 60 professional tournaments including the 1946 United States Women’s Open (the tournament's inaugural year). 

Despite all her tournament wins, Berg is remembered most for instructing free golf clinics (estimated at 16,000) and as one of the co-founders of the LPGA Tour. 

Berg’s service as a first lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, a near fatal car crash, and numerous surgeries often sidetracked her Hall of Fame career.  Patty Berg died September 10, 2006 in Fort Meyers, Florida.