Helen Dettweiler

Elizabeth Helen Dettweiler (December 5, 1914 – November 13, 1990) was an American professional golfer. She was one of the co-founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. She won the Women's Western Open in 1939.

Early life and amateur career Dettweiler was born to Helen (nee Berens) and William E. Dettweiler, a restaurant and bakery owner, on December 5, 1914, in Washington, D.C. She had two younger brothers, and all three Dettweiler children played sports, with Helen playing tennis, football, baseball, and softball. Her brother Billy, who qualified for the National Amateur Golf Championship at age 14, got her into golf when he bet her that she could not hit a golf ball four consecutive times, and she lost. Within two years of beginning to play golf, she began to win amateur championships.

Dettweiler continued to play golf during the broadcasting tour. She won the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Mid-Atlantic championships.

During World War II, Dettweiler joined the United States Army Air Forces' Air Transport Command as a cryptographer. recording 750 flying hours. Dettweiler became Jacqueline Cochran's assistant. After the war, she went with Cochran to Indio, California, to write a book on the history of the WASP. There, she designed a nine-hole course that later became a part of the Indian Palms Country Club. As the golf pro, she instructed Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Danny Kaye, and others.

Dettweiler co-founded the Women's Professional Golf Association (WPGA) in the 1940s, and was elected as its second president. After the WPGA folded, In 1952, she joined the staff of the Thunderbird Country Club. She also taught at a golf course in Neskowin, Oregon, and organized an invitational tournament there.

Dettweiler remained on the LPGA Tour until the 1960s. After her retirement, she opened a clothing store in Palm Springs, California.

Personal life Dettweiler died from cancer on November 13, 1990, in Palm Springs.

Awards and honors In 2024, Dettweiler was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Professional wins (1)

1939 Women's Western Open

Major championships Wins (1) YearChampionshipWinning scoreRunner-upRef 1939 Women's Western Open 4 & 3 Bea Barrett (a)