Mary Lena Faulk

Mary Lena Faulk (April 15, 1926 – August 3, 1995) was an American professional golfer.

Early life and amateur career In 1926, Faulk was born in Chipley, Florida. At the age of 14 she moved to Thomasville, Georgia with her family. She won three consecutive Georgia Women's Amateur Matchplay Championships from 1946 to 1948.

In 1953, Faulk won the U.S. Women's Amateur. In 1954, she lost in the semi-finals to Mickey Wright. She was also a member of the U.S. team that defeated Great Britain to win the 1954 Curtis Cup. Meanwhile in Georgia, she won the state's 1954 Medal Play Championship.

Professional career In 1955, Faulk turned professional. In her rookie year on the LPGA Tour finished second at the U.S. Women's Open. She retired from the pro tour in 1965 having won 10 tournaments including the Women's Western Open which was then one of the women's major golf championships.

Faulk taught golf for many years at clubs in Georgia and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For some time she operated a women's apparel store in Southern Pines, North Carolina with fellow golfer Peggy Kirk Bell.

Personal life In 1995, Faulk died. She lived in Delray Beach, Florida during her later years.

Awards and honors In 1993, Faulk was inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.

Professional wins (13) LPGA Tour wins (10) 1956 (1) Kansas City Open 1957 (1) St. Petersburg Open 1958 (1) Macktown Open 1961 (4) Babe Zaharias Open, Women's Western Open, Triangle Round Robin, Eastern Open 1962 (2) Peach Blossom Open, Visalia Open 1964 (1) St. Petersburg Women's Open Invitational

Sources:

Other wins (3) 1951 Hardscrabble Open 1955 Virginia Hot Springs 4-Ball (with Betty Jameson) 1958 Homestead 4-Ball (with Betty Jameson)

Major championships Wins (1) YearChampionshipWinning scoreMarginRunner-up 1961 Women's Western Open −10 (75-75-67-73=290)6 strokes Betsy Rawls

Team appearances Amateur Curtis Cup (representing the United States): 1954 (winners)