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important victories included,
wins at the Eastern Amateur
and the Augusta Titleholders.
Realizing the need for an
organized professional golf
league for women, she
along with 12 other women,
including, Babe Zaharias,
founded the LPGA in 1950.
Jim Dodson, one of the
foremost writers on golf in
America, called Mrs. Bell, the
female Arnold Palmer for her
impact both as a competitor
and teacher.
Together with her husband
Warren, the Bells bought the
Donald Ross-designed Pine
Needles Resort and Golf
Course. They raised a family
amid its lush-green grounds
that today still draws thousands
of golfers each year.
Palmer once commented
about Mrs. Bell,
“Peggy is a tribute to the
gameof golf.Shehas tirelessly
given of herself to the game
and her contributions have
helped make it great.”
After an exceptional playing
career, Peggy Kirk Bell
became one of the most
recognized teachers in the
country, had the foresight to
help start the LPGA, ran the
family’s resort and raised 3
children along the way. She
was outspoken, gracious and
sought out by her guests.
She led a full life and yielded a
tremendous influence on the
game of golf in theUnited States.
Peggy Kirk Bell was a leader
in the game of golf and like
Arnold Palmer before her,
will be sorely missed.
NWO Golf Links