News in the Women’s Golf World is that Judy Rankin has breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. In May she learned the news and has stated, “I have cancer, and I have to deal with it.” She is well known as an excellent golf analysis on ABC and ESPN and is taking a leave for now from these jobs. She will be missed as I always enjoyed her calm and interesting analysis of the Pro’s playing in the tournament. She is well knowledgeable of golf and her interpretations are the game helps us all.

Judy was born on February 18, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri. She started playing golf at the age of six. At the age of fourteen she was the youngest to win the Missouri Amateur Tournament. At age 15 she was the youngest to win low Amateur in the U. S. Women’s Open. She joined LPGA at age 17 during that time she won many tournament but no majors and retired at age 38 with chronic back problems.

Judy Rankin was honored as Player of the Year twice and won the Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average. In 2000 she became the first player voted into the Hall of Fame for the LPGA Tour and the World Hall of Fame. One award I think was a great honor was the Bob Jones Award in 2002 and was given by the United State Golf Association in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in Golf.

Judy has been an advisor for Golf Digest and Golf For Women magazines and captained the U. S. Solheim Cup team in 1996 and 1998 leading the American to victory both times. She is married to Yippy Rankin and they live in Midland, Texas. All her fans and friends wish her the best and a quick recovery.

Every woman should be aware of breast cancer, having annual check ups and also self examinations. I have a good friend who discovered she had breast cancer last year. She is now under treatment but we are both playing in a special golf outing with our regular Wednesday golfing ladies day. She has not been out for quite awhile but I felt it would be good for her to take part in this event and meet all her golfing friends.