Glenna Collett Vare (1903 - 1989)

Born Connecticut, USA, Vare is remembered as one of the all time great lady golfers.

Vare was always athletic. As a child she was a renowned swimmer and diver. When she was 14, her father introduced her to golf at Metacomet GC. She was not groomed to be a great golfer and participated in competitions for the enjoyment and challenge. Indeed, back then women's golf was in it's infancy. Prior to the establishment of the LPGA in 1948, women only competed as amateurs.

She won the first of four US Women's Amateurs in 1922. In 1923 and 1924, she won the Canadian Ladies. Even when the LPGA was formed, she remained an amateur and recorded 49 victories throughout her career. Between 1928 and 1931, she record 16 consecutive victories. Individual success was matched with team success with selection for five Curtis Cup squads, twice as a captain.

Vare has been compared to the great Bobby Jones. Both of them competed as amateurs and were tremendously successful . She held professionals in high esteem but personally didn't want the tedium of playing every week. She was in it for the sport not the money. Even when she was 80, she maintained a 15 handicap and competed in the Point Judith Invitational.

In recognition of her achievements and sportsmanship, she wad inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1975. The LPGA has honoured her by awarding the Vare trophy to the golfer with the lowest scoring average when the season ends. She certainly was something special and is fondly remembered .