Glenna Collett-Vare: The Queen Of Amateur Women’s Golf In The 1920s
Explore the incredible career of Glenna Collett-Vare, a dominant force in women’s amateur golf with six U.S. Women’s Amateur titles and a lasting legacy in the sport’s history.
Jul 27, 20256.6K Shares201.8K Views
Glenna Collett-Vare was one of the most dominant women’s amateur golfers in the early 20th century. Her powerful game and consistent wins made her a standout figure in American golf. She won the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship six times between 1922 and 1935 and helped shape women’s competitive golf in the United States. Collett-Vare was also known for promoting sportsmanship and dedication to the game, which earned her great respect among her peers.
Early Life
Glenna Collett-Vare was born on June 20, 1903, in New Haven, Connecticut. She grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. As a child, she enjoyed swimming and diving and was very active in sports. She started playing golf when she was around 14 years old. Her interest in the game quickly grew, and she began practicing often. Glenna took golf lessons from a professional named Alex Smith, who helped her improve her skills at an early age. Her family supported her interest in sports, which helped her focus on developing her talent.
Golf Career
Glenna Collett-Vare had one of the most successful amateur golf careers in American history. She won her first U.S. Women’s Amateur title in 1922 when she was just 19 years old. Between 1922 and 1935, she won the championship six times and was runner-up twice. In 1924, she had an outstanding year, winning 59 out of 60 matches. Her powerful drives and strong competitive spirit made her a leading player of her time.
Collett-Vare was also part of the first U.S. Curtis Cup team in 1932, an international match between women golfers from the U.S. and Great Britain. She played in and helped the U.S. win several Curtis Cup matches. Even after marriage and becoming a mother, she stayed active in golf and won her final U.S. Women’s Amateur title in 1935. Her playing career lasted more than a decade, and she continued to influence the sport through her leadership and example.
To honor her contribution to women's golf, the LPGA named the Vare Trophyafter her. This award is given each year to the LPGA player with the lowest scoring average. Glenna Collett-Vare was added to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1975 for her lasting impact on the game.
Jump to
Latest Articles
Popular Articles