Sally Little

Sally Little (born 12 October 1951) is a South African-born professional golfer. She became a member of the LPGA Tour in 1971 and won 15 LPGA Tour events, including two major championships, during her career. In 2016, she became the first female golfer from South Africa inducted into the South African Hall of Fame.

Early life and amateur career In 1951, Little was born in Cape Town. As a girl, Gary Player encouraged her to play golf. Little later told The Plain Dealer, "Gary encouraged me when I was 13, but I didn't listen until I was 16. I broke my leg when I was 15 and could only play golf and became interested."

Little was the low individual at the 1970 World Amateur Team Championship and won the South African Match Play and Stroke Play titles that same year. As an amateur, she tied for fifth at the 1971 Lady Carling Open.

Professional career In 1971, Little joined the LPGA Tour and was named LPGA Rookie of the Year. Her first professional win was at the 1976 Women's International. Little holed a shot from a greenside bunker on the 72nd hole to edge Jan Stephenson by one shot.

Little's best season was 1982, when she finished third on the money list. That year, in August, she also became a United States citizen.

She has won 15 times on the tour, including two major championships, the 1988 du Maurier Classic and the 1980 LPGA Championship.

Awards and honors In 1971, Little earned the LPGA Rookie of the Year award. In 1989, she earned the Ben Hogan Award from the Golf Writers Association of America In 2000, Little was recognized during the LPGA's 50th Anniversary as one of the LPGA's top-50 players and teachers. In 2016, she was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame

Professional wins LPGA Tour (15) LegendLPGA Tour major championships (2)Other LPGA Tour (13) Note: Little won the Nabisco Dinah Shore Invitational (now known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship) before it became a major championship.

LPGA Tour playoff record (4–2)

Major championships Wins (2) YearChampionshipWinning scoreMarginRunner-up 1980 LPGA Championship −3 (69-70-73-73=285)3 strokes Jane Blalock 1988 du Maurier Classic −9 (74-65-69-71=279)1 stroke Laura Davies

Team appearances Amateur Espirito Santo Trophy (representing South Africa): 1970

Professional Handa Cup (representing World team): 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 (tie)