Sandra Spuzich Explained

Sandra Spuzich
Birth Date:3 April 1937
Birth Place:Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Death Place:Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Partner:Joyce Kazmierski
College:Indiana University
Yearpro:1962
Extour:LPGA Tour (1962–92)
Prowins:8
Lpgawins:7
Otherwins:1
Majorwins:1
Western:T15: 1966
Titleholders:9th: 1966
Nabisco:T23: 1983
Lpga:4th: 1968
Wusopen:Won: 1966
Dumaurier:T10: 1983

Sandra Spuzich (April 3, 1937 – October 6, 2015) was an American professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Spuzich was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, of Polish, Serbian, Macedonian and Lebanese descent.[1] She was an amateur golfer and elementary school teacher when she decided to turn professional in 1962. Her first win came at the 1966 U.S. Women's Open by one stroke over Carol Mann and two strokes over Mickey Wright.[2] The tournament was held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota – the first major championship played there.

In 1982 at the age of 45, Spuzich became the oldest player to win two LPGA Tour events in the same year when she won the Corning Classic followed by the Mary Kay Classic.[3]

Spuzich died in Indianapolis on October 6, 2015. Her life partner was fellow LPGA golfer Joyce Kazmierski.[4]

Professional wins

LPGA Tour wins (7)

Legend
LPGA Tour major championships (1)
Other LPGA Tour (6)
No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin of
victory
Runner(s)-up
1Jul 3, 1966U.S. Women's Open+9 (75-74-76-72=297)1 stroke Carol Mann
2Aug 3, 1969Buckeye Savings Invitational+3 (71-72-70=213)3 strokes Judy Rankin
3May 5, 1974Lady Tara ClassicE (71-76-72=219)Playoff Donna Caponi
Kathy Whitworth
4May 29, 1977Lady Keystone Open−9 (68-66-67=201)1 stroke Silvia Bertolaccini
5Sep 7, 1980Barth Classic−4 (73-70-69=212)2 strokes Carolyn Hill
Lori Garbacz
6May 30, 1982Corning Classic−8 (69-72-70-69=280)Playoff Patty Sheehan
7Sep 12, 1982Mary Kay Classic−10 (70-69-67=206)1 stroke Carole Charbonnier

LPGA Tour playoff record (2–2)

No.YearTournamentOpponent(s)Result
11968Corpus Christi Civitan Open Judy RankinLost to par on second extra hole
21974Lady Tara Classic Donna Caponi
Kathy Whitworth
Won with par on fifth extra hole
Whitworth eliminated by par on third hole
31974Bluegrass Invitational JoAnne CarnerLost to bogey on first extra hole
41982Corning Classic Patty SheehanWon with par on first extra hole

Other wins (1)

Major championships

Wins (1)

Notes and References

  1. http://www.timteeman.com/2015/10/18/joyce-kazmierski-and-sandra-spuzich-a-golf-love-story-comes-out-of-the-closet/ Joyce Kazmierski and Sandra Spuzich: A Golf Love Story Comes Out of the Closet
  2. Up from the Basement . Time . July 15, 1966 . https://archive.today/20120915065513/http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,836014,00.html . dead . September 15, 2012 . January 8, 2008.
  3. News: Miss Spuzich Wins . The New York Times . September 13, 1982 . January 8, 2008.
  4. News: Sandra Spuzich Obituary . The Indianapolis Star . October 9, 2015.