A listing of athletes born in Minnesota who have left their mark in the golf world. Partially compiled from “Minnesota’s 50 Greatest Sports Athletes” – Sports Illustrated (1999).
- Patty Berg (Minneapolis, MN)
One of LPGA’s founders and greatest players; in 1946 won inaugural U.S. Women’s Open. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, 1974. - John Harris (Roseau, MN)
Became a professional golfer in 1976, then turned amateur in 1983. Returned to professional golf in 2002. His first win came in his fifth PGA season at the 2006 Commerce Bank Championship. - Tim Herron (Minneapolis, MN)
Won three times in his first four seasons in the PGA. There is a seven year gap before he claimed his fourth PGA Tour title at the 2006 Bank of America Colonial. His nickname is - Lee Janzen (Austin, MN)
Spent most of his childhood in Baltimore, Maryland. Has eight PGA championships to his name. - Tom Lehman (Alexandria, MN)
Won British Open and was PGA’s player of the year in 1996; helped U.S. win ’99 Ryder Cup. In 2010 he received the Payne Stewart Award, an award given to the player who shared Stewart’s respect for tradition, charity and who presented himself well through dress and conduct. - Hillary Lunke (Edina, MN)
Lunke defeated Kelly Robbins and Angela Stanford in an 18-hole playoff to win the 2003 U.S. Women’s Open for her first, and so far only, LPGA win. Lunke was also the first player to win the U.S. Open after advancing through local and sectional qualifying.