LPGA is bigger than NASA, Barbie Dolls and Tater Tots

Golf has always felt like a sport rooted in tradition, but even experienced golfers may not be aware of the development of this tradition, especially in women’s games. The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) was founded in 1950, and while that number may not jump off the page, it becomes even more impressive when you line it up next to some other familiar milestones.

As it turns out, LPGA is older than NASA, Barbie dolls, and even Tater Tots.

Let’s start with NASA. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was founded in 1958, a full eight years after the LPGA has hosted the championships and established its legacy. This means that professional golf for women has been established before humans even ventured into orbit.

It seems not enough than NASA, and LPGA is even predated by one of the most iconic American toys in the United States: the Barbie doll. In 1959, the first Barbie doll was on the store shelves nearly a decade after the establishment of the LPGA. This means that while Barbie dolls are still just an idea for Ruth Handler’s drawing board, real women have walked the fairway, won the game, and paved the way for golf for future generations.

Yes, there is a Barbie doll playing golf. In fact, there are several over the years. According to LPGA, the famous LPGA Barbie Doll (LPGA Barbie Doll) in 2018 pays tribute to Wold Golf Hall of Fame member Lorena Ochoa. So, not only did the LPGA beat Barbie dolls, but it also inspired various sports role models that the toys ultimately tried to represent. It’s a really great full-circle moment when you think about it.

Then there’s the real random thing: Tater Tots didn’t debut until 1954 (LPGA Teed Off the 1954). This means that professional women’s golf predates one of the most iconic freezer snacks in American history.

When you think of it as perspective, LPGA is more than just old. This is a pioneer. Long before women’s equality in most sports, long before brands consider sponsoring female athletes, and before golf enjoys a global reach today, a group of women gathered together to build strong growth for more than 70 years.

Founders like Babe Zaharias, Patty Berg and Louise Suggs are more than just incredible athletes. They are businessmen, pioneers and marketers, all committed to legalizing professional golf for women in a world that is not entirely welcome.

Yes, LPGA is bigger than NASA. It’s older than most credit cards, Tater Tots and even Barbie dolls. But more importantly, it reminds women how long it has been overlooked in the broader sports narratives of how long have women shaped the game.

LPGA is not only old. This is historic.

From players driving from tournaments to tournaments and doing their own marketing to the early stages of modern events, LPGA events were televised around the world, and the organization has been steadily increasing the visibility and respect of women’s golf. LPGA has created world-class talent, from idols like Mickey Wright and Nancy Lopez to modern stars like Annika Sörenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Inbee Park and Nelly Korda.

In 2000, LPGA launched the LPGA-USGA Women’s Golf Program, which has developed into the world’s largest junior golf program. LPGA also leads the international talent curve, welcomes players around the world for decades before other American sports leagues began to diversify their rosters.

LPGA recently expanded its prize money, increased broadcast coverage, and obtained signed deals that brought the competition to a wider and more involved audience. It also continues to promote pay equity, greater sponsorship, and the recognition that elite female athletes deserve.

Next time someone says golf was trapped in the past, remind them that one of its most groundbreaking institutions was established before NASA. LPGA players were already changing the game long before celebrating women in the sports on the cover of the magazine or gaining attention in the national campaign.

LPGA is not only a part of golf history. It is part of American history, demonstrating the durability, progress, and belief that women are not only a sport but also capable of leading them forward.

It’s no surprise that LPGA is older than many things we take for granted. This is inspiring. Every year and every round is worth celebrating.

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