One of the most wonderful aspects of the game of golf is that, unlike so many other sports, the athlete can have a successful career spanning many decades. Arguably, there is no better example of this in the state of Tennessee than in the case of Betty Probasco. Remarkably, Probasco managed to win at least one state title in five different decades! The name Betty Probasco is one of the most familiar in women’s amateur golf in the world. Her list of records and achievements would make any golf-lover proud. While a student at Rollins College, she was the national collegiate champion in 1950. Her record eight victories in Women’s Tennessee State Amateur tournaments span from 1954 to 1986. Not only was she selected to the prestigious Curtis Cup team in 1956, but was non-player captain of the team in 1982, an honor which ranks among the highlights of her fruitful career. “Winning tournaments is a great thing… but I’m just not sure it compares with being able to perform for your country,” said Probasco. Not surprisingly, her team that year posted the most lopsided victory in the history of the Curtis Cup. And to top it off, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame named her Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1983. Rounding out a fantastic career as player and captain, Probasco also was president of the Tennessee Golf Association and Women’s Southern Golf Association.
