Gerda Boykin

Gerda Boykin (née Schleeh) is Germany's first female professional golfer. She competed full time on the LPGA Tour from 1968 to 1977, where she was runner-up three times and finished 3rd at the 1968 LPGA Championship.

Early life Boykin grew up in Baden-Baden in the aftermath of World War II. After becoming interested in the sport while caddying for American military personnel, she started practicing golf at age 10 under Paul Henkel.

At 19, she became the first female German professional golfer. She worked as a golf instructor assisting Henkel, and at 21 she became head pro. It was only the third ace in the tournament's history. She was named "most improved" golfer in 1968 by Golf Digest, alongside Bob Lunn.

In 1970, she tied for 8th place at the 1970 LPGA Championship, and in 1972 was one of the 40 players in the inaugural Colgate-Dinah Shore Winner's Circle, now the Chevron Championship. At the 1976 LPGA Championship, she shared the lead at the halfway point.

Boykin lost a playoff to Judy Rankin at the 1973 GAC Classic in Tucson. She posted three-second place finishes during her LPGA career, including at the 1973 and 1975 Southgate Ladies Open in Prairie Village, Kansas, both times behind Kathy Whitworth. 1977 was her last season of full-time competition, and she started cutting back her schedule again. A fourth place tie in the 1984 Potamkin Cadillac Classic marked her best showing after 1977.

Personal life Boykin was born Gerda Schleeh and competed as Gerda Whalen until she married Bill Boykin in 1970.

Playoff record LPGA Tour playoff record (0–1)