Susie Maxwell Berning, an accomplished professional golfer and Hall of Fame inductee, passed away at the age of 83 after a battle with lung cancer. Throughout her career, Berning won a total of 11 titles, including three U.S. Women’s Opens in the span of six years. She was a trailblazer in the sport, winning three consecutive Oklahoma state high school golf championships and being the first female to receive a golf scholarship from Oklahoma City University to play on the men’s team. Berning was named LPGA Rookie of the Year in 1964 and went on to win her first major, the Western Open in 1965, followed by the U.S. Women’s Open in 1968, 1972, and 1973.
Berning was also known for being a working mom pioneer, competing in tournaments while pregnant and balancing her career with her family life. She won back-to-back U.S. Women’s Opens after the birth of her daughter, Robin, and limited her tournament schedule to spend time with her family, including her daughter Cindy who was born in 1977. After retiring from full-time competitive play, Berning became a golf instructor and split her time between the Reserve Club in Palm Springs, California, and Maroon Creek Country Club in Aspen, Colorado.
In 2021, Berning was posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame alongside golf legends such as Tiger Woods, Tim Finchem, and Marion Hollins. Her legacy as a four-time major winner who juggled a successful career with motherhood has inspired female golfers around the world. Fellow Hall of Famer Beth Daniels praised Berning for her achievements on and off the course, highlighting the rarity of winning majors while balancing a family life. Berning’s accomplishments paved the way for future generations of female golfers who now see that they can have both a family and a successful golf career.
Jessica Marksbury, a Golf.com editor, highlighted Berning’s impact on the sport through her various achievements and accolades. Berning’s legacy as a pioneering female golfer who excelled in a male-dominated sport continues to inspire players of all ages. Her dedication to the game, as well as her ability to balance family life with a successful career, sets her apart as a role model for aspiring female golfers. Berning’s contributions to the sport have left a lasting impression on the golfing community and she will be remembered as a true legend in women’s golf history.
Berning’s induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame solidifies her status as one of the greatest female golfers of all time. Her remarkable achievements, including four major wins and a total of 11 titles, showcase her skill and talent on the course. Berning’s impact on the game goes beyond her victories, as she paved the way for future generations of female golfers to pursue their dreams in a male-dominated sport. Her journey from winning state championships in high school to becoming a Hall of Fame inductee is a testament to her dedication and passion for golf.
As the golfing community mourns the loss of a true legend, Susie Maxwell Berning’s legacy will live on through her contributions to the sport and her inspiration to female athletes around the world. Her story serves as a reminder of the perseverance and determination required to succeed in a competitive field, and her impact on women’s golf will continue to be celebrated for years to come. Berning’s pioneering spirit and groundbreaking achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport of golf, and her memory will be cherished by fans, players, and fellow Hall of Famers for generations to come.
