Golf Books #234 (From Green to Tee)

All proceeds of this book benefit junior golf and women’s college golf programs.* As one of the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s (LPGA) “13 Founders,” Shirley Spork teed off with the likes of Babe Zaharias, Patty Berg, and Marilynn Smith. She is an educational leader, recognized as golf’s finest mentor teacher. From Green to Tee is a historically-accurate recounting of Shirley’s story; a little red-haired girl from Michigan who started golfing with only a putter and grew up to be one of golf history’s most beloved women.

Until now, only a few have heard Shirley’s colorful stories of the the LPGA’s early days, her travels to Europe as a young woman, the ladies of the Tour, and the celebrities she taught on the golf course (Bob Hope, Harpo Marks and others). As a bonus, Shirley shares “Sporkisms” – her signature golf instruction – that have inspired so many to be better golf teachers and players. Also included are personal letters to Shirley from some of golf’s greatest players, teachers and LPGA officials.

Readers will enjoy her fishing stories, too, from catfish in the south to trout in Montana; even huge ocean-going marlin trophies! Shirley has done it all: collegiate champion, pro player, LPGA founder, golf pro, course manager, teacher mentor, celebrity coach and much more. 

This factual account of her memories is a must-read for everyone interested in golf and women’s sports. An exceptional account of one woman’s grit, tenacity and success in what was a male-dominated sports world.

Publication date: July 14, 2017 (source) 

About the Author

Shirley Spork is the woman in golf who has done it all: collegiate champion, pro player, LPGA founder, golf pro, course manager, teacher mentor, celebrity coach and much more. This is her biography, written in her own words and style – a fun, factual, and insightful read for all golf and sport enthusiasts. A Michigan native, Shirley criss-crossed the globe as a player and a pro, earning her way to leadership roles in golf education and advocacy. Nancy Bannon is a golf pro in Southern California, and a former student of Shirley Spork. Nancy provides exhaustive historical and accurate background of Shirley’s stories. She is a journalism graduate and has a love for the written word. Connie Kuber is a freelance writer, editor and marketing professional from Central California.