Known for breaking boundaries and paving the way for future generations of women golfers, Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias was an unstoppable force both on and off the golf course. Her outstanding passion, ambition and determination to overcome any obstacle placed in her path truly set her apart, not just as an extraordinary golfer, but also as an extraordinary woman.
Whimsically nicknamed “Babe” after the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth, Zaharias was born in Texas in 1911. She was the sixth of seven children and grew up in a modest blue-collar family. Despite her less-than-glamorous beginnings, Zaharias was not one to let societal norms dictate her destiny. She was an outstanding all-around athlete from a young age, dominating in sports such as basketball and track and field. It wasn’t until her mid-twenties, however, that she discovered the sport that would make her a household name – golf.
Zaharias’ first step into the world of golf was as an amateur. With raw talent and a relentless drive to succeed, she quickly earned recognition in this sphere. Her victory at the 1935 Texas Women’s Championship marked the beginning of an unparalleled career in golf. From there, Zaharias proceeded to win an impressive 17 straight amateur women’s golf titles, a record that still stands unbroken.
In 1947, Zaharias turned professional and continued to rewrite golf history. Her crowning achievements include winning 10 major championships and 41 professional tour victories. She became the first woman to play in a men’s PGA event, breaking ground for any woman who dared to aspire to excel in a man’s game. Additionally, Zaharias also co-founded and served as president of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, leaving an indelible mark on the golf industry.
But what truly marked Zaharias as an extraordinary character was not only her gifted athletic prowess, but also her enormous courage and resilience. In 1953, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery. Despite the serious medical setback and tough recovery process, Zaharias returned to golf a year later to win the U.S. Women’s Open by 12 strokes. This triumphant comeback victory truly embodied Zaharias’ tenacity and courage, setting an inspirational model for golfers and athletes worldwide.
Zaharias’ life, albeit relatively brief (she passed away from cancer at the age of 45), showcased a fierce spirit and unyielding determination to surpass expectations. She was not just a golfer; she was a trailblazer who refused to let societal norms confine her dreams. Her impact on the world of golf remains monumental even today, years after her departure.
Her timeless legacy earns her an irreplaceable spot in the history of golf. Zaharias was named the 10th greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN and was the leading woman at the number 17 spot on Associated Press’ list of athletes of the first half of the century. In 2019, Zaharias was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, further cementing her place as a pillar of American sports history.
A world-class athlete and a devoted advocate for women’s golf, Babe Zaharias’ life and career exemplified determination, resilience, and an unyielding spirit. Her remarkable legacy continues to inspire countless golfers worldwide and serves as a testament to what grit and determination can achieve in the face of adversity. Her story will remain imprinted in the annals of sporting history, repeatedly reminding us that limitations are but invisible barriers waiting to be shattered.