Editor's note: To help mark Golf Digest's January 2007 cover story on Annika Sorenstam, the first solo appearance of a woman on a Golf Digest cover in nearly 30 years, we've gathered the dozens of women who've graced the cover of our magazine since its founding in 1950.Helen Olson, a 23-year-old Chicago model, appeared on the first three covers of Golf Digest, which debuted in the Spring of 1950 as a 16-page, pocket-sized semi-annual. Standing in the background is Golf Digest founder William H. Davis. Of Olson, the cover notes say, "Combining golfing ability and pulchritude, Helen Olson is particularly appropriate as our cover girl. Her golfing ability? She shoots consistently in the upper seventies. Her pulchritude--need we say more?"
Summer 1950
"By popular demand," the cover notes of Vol. 1, No. 2 state, "Helen Olson returns to grace our cover with a display of good form in driving." Demand aside (and note the price drop here from 15 cents for the first issue), another thing in Olson's favor: Her parents were members at Ridgewood Country Club near Chicago, where the first cover shot was taken."By popular demand," the cover notes of Vol. 1, No. 2 state, "Helen Olson returns to grace our cover with a display of good form in driving." Demand aside (and note the price drop here from 15 cents for the first issue), another thing in Olson's favor: Her parents were members at Ridgewood Country Club near Chicago, where the first cover shot was taken.
Early Spring 1951
Showing versatility, and pluck, Helen Olson gamely poses for this tricky shot. Olson was married a few months after her first Golf Digest cover shoot, and she and her husband, advertising executive Don Moone, moved East. Olson Moone worked as a commercial model in New York, and later retired to Florida, where she won a number of women's club championships. Olson Moone, 79, now resides in Hilton Head, S.C.Showing versatility, and pluck, Helen Olson gamely poses for this tricky shot. Olson was married a few months after her first Golf Digest cover shoot, and she and her husband, advertising executive Don Moone, moved East. Olson Moone worked as a commercial model in New York, and later retired to Florida, where she won a number of women's club championships. Olson Moone, 79, now resides in Hilton Head, S.C.
Early Summer 1951
As the "On the Cover" caption declares, "Our curvaceous cover girl is having more trouble adding up her score on the last hole than readers will have in identifying her as Connie Russell, beautiful singing star of the NBC television show, "Garroway at Large."As the "On the Cover" caption declares, "Our curvaceous cover girl is having more trouble adding up her score on the last hole than readers will have in identifying her as Connie Russell, beautiful singing star of the NBC television show, "Garroway at Large."
Mid-summer 1951
On the Cover: "The place--Sun Valley. The girl--wish we knew. The players--who cares!" According to Golf Digest's archives, our cover girl is Marga Frazer.On the Cover: "The place--Sun Valley. The girl--wish we knew. The players--who cares!" According to Golf Digest's archives, our cover girl is Marga Frazer.
Autumn 1951
On the Cover: "Singing a song or sinking a putt, Patsy Lee, star of Don McNeill's Breakfast Club, tops them all." An Oklahoma native known as the "Queen of the Cowgirl Yodelers," Lee also worked with such well-known acts as Gene Autry and Ray Whitley.On the Cover: "Singing a song or sinking a putt, Patsy Lee, star of Don McNeill's Breakfast Club, tops them all." An Oklahoma native known as the "Queen of the Cowgirl Yodelers," Lee also worked with such well-known acts as Gene Autry and Ray Whitley.
June 1952
On the Cover: "Catherine Fox Park, former professional model and current fine amateur golfer, gives Bobby Thomson, New York Giants' infielder, a golf lesson during his winter visit to Miami. Or is he giving her a lesson?"On the Cover: "Catherine Fox Park, former professional model and current fine amateur golfer, gives Bobby Thomson, New York Giants' infielder, a golf lesson during his winter visit to Miami. Or is he giving her a lesson?"
July 1952
On the Cover: "Gracing the picturesque and sporty 9-hole course at Sun Valley, Idaho, are Marga Frazer and Art Schultz. The latter doubles as golf pro and ski instructor at the popular winter and summer resort."On the Cover: "Gracing the picturesque and sporty 9-hole course at Sun Valley, Idaho, are Marga Frazer and Art Schultz. The latter doubles as golf pro and ski instructor at the popular winter and summer resort."
August 1952
On the Cover: "Golf, not football is on pretty Libby Walter's mind as she strolls to the first tee at Miami Springs Country Club. Lobby is ex-queen of Miami's Orange Bowl Festival."On the Cover: "Golf, not football is on pretty Libby Walter's mind as she strolls to the first tee at Miami Springs Country Club. Lobby is ex-queen of Miami's Orange Bowl Festival."
December 1952
On the Cover: "Golf Digest models Jo Hoppe and Donna Kime give National Open Champ Julius Boros a quick putting review just before he went out and won the $25,000 first prize in George S. May's World Championship of Golf at Tam O'Shanter Country Club. Miss Hoppe later won fifth place in the Miss America contest."On the Cover: "Golf Digest models Jo Hoppe and Donna Kime give National Open Champ Julius Boros a quick putting review just before he went out and won the $25,000 first prize in George S. May's World Championship of Golf at Tam O'Shanter Country Club. Miss Hoppe later won fifth place in the Miss America contest."
August 1953
Golf Digest moves from using cover girls as eye candy to subjects worth covering journalistically, as this cover of Alice and Marlene Bauer attests. Spurred on by their father, Dave, the two teenage golf prodigies turned pro in 1950. Writes John Fitzpatrick: "But Marlene is now the disinterested victim of a career that was forced upon her by her enterprising father," while Alice "is now married to your golf professional Bob Hagge and might reasonably be expected to have thoughts of a more domestic nature in mind."Golf Digest moves from using cover girls as eye candy to subjects worth covering journalistically, as this cover of Alice and Marlene Bauer attests. Spurred on by their father, Dave, the two teenage golf prodigies turned pro in 1950. Writes John Fitzpatrick: "But Marlene is now the disinterested victim of a career that was forced upon her by her enterprising father," while Alice "is now married to your golf professional Bob Hagge and might reasonably be expected to have thoughts of a more domestic nature in mind."
Feb.-March 1954
In a return to form, this issues "On the Cover" states: "Formful golfer, Frances Gautier, adds to the beauty of the Miami Springs Country Club, Miami's municipal course where the annual $10,000 Open is played..."In a return to form, this issues "On the Cover" states: "Formful golfer, Frances Gautier, adds to the beauty of the Miami Springs Country Club, Miami's municipal course where the annual $10,000 Open is played..."
April 1954
On the Cover: "Doug Ford, who received the first annual Golf Digest award for 'Most Improved Golfer of 1953' at the Los Angeles Open, prepares to give Barbara Darrow, RKO starlet and tournament queen, a lesson."On the Cover: "Doug Ford, who received the first annual Golf Digest award for 'Most Improved Golfer of 1953' at the Los Angeles Open, prepares to give Barbara Darrow, RKO starlet and tournament queen, a lesson."
May 1954
Still pocket-sized but a plump 64 pages and billed as "the fastest selling golf magazine in history," Golf Digest now offers a mix of instruction, features and tour commentary, with some big-name bylines. Reports his issue's On the Cover: "A portrait of the incomparable Babe Didrickson Zaharias, queen of golf. For a more intimate glimpse of her life and personality see the articles by two of her closest friends and rivals, Patty Berg and Bev Hanson."Still pocket-sized but a plump 64 pages and billed as "the fastest selling golf magazine in history," Golf Digest now offers a mix of instruction, features and tour commentary, with some big-name bylines. Reports his issue's On the Cover: "A portrait of the incomparable Babe Didrickson Zaharias, queen of golf. For a more intimate glimpse of her life and personality see the articles by two of her closest friends and rivals, Patty Berg and Bev Hanson."
Dec.-Jan. 1953-54
On the Cover: "One of the things delectable Debbie Reynolds is giving her man, singer Eddie Fisher, for Christmas is a new golf bag and a set of clubs. Debbie's current MGM production is 'Hit the Deck,' which co-stars Jane Powell."On the Cover: "One of the things delectable Debbie Reynolds is giving her man, singer Eddie Fisher, for Christmas is a new golf bag and a set of clubs. Debbie's current MGM production is 'Hit the Deck,' which co-stars Jane Powell."
Dec. 1956, Jan.-Feb. 1957
On the Cover: "Marlene Bauer Hagge and Dow Finsterwald, winners of Golf Digest's 'Most Improved Professional' awards." Hagge's smile overturns the 1950 cover story assessment of Golf Digest's John Fitzpatrick: "Marlene is now the disinterested victim of a career that was forced upon her by her enterprising father." In July 1955, the 20-year-old onetime prodigy left the tour to accept a position with a grocery chain, returning to competitive golf six months later.On the Cover: "Marlene Bauer Hagge and Dow Finsterwald, winners of Golf Digest's 'Most Improved Professional' awards." Hagge's smile overturns the 1950 cover story assessment of Golf Digest's John Fitzpatrick: "Marlene is now the disinterested victim of a career that was forced upon her by her enterprising father." In July 1955, the 20-year-old onetime prodigy left the tour to accept a position with a grocery chain, returning to competitive golf six months later.
March 1957
Still flashing a winning smile, Marlene Hagge takes her place in an illustrious foursome of top golfers of 1956. Hagge, 22, won eight tournaments, setting a new 72-hole scoring record (284) and topped the previous earnings mark by winning $20,235 in prize money.Still flashing a winning smile, Marlene Hagge takes her place in an illustrious foursome of top golfers of 1956. Hagge, 22, won eight tournaments, setting a new 72-hole scoring record (284) and topped the previous earnings mark by winning $20,235 in prize money.
April 1957
Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield on a Golf Digest cover? Even up-and-coming touring pro Mike Fetchick seems a bit surprised as he poses in this photo, taken by the Los Angeles Times.Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield on a Golf Digest cover? Even up-and-coming touring pro Mike Fetchick seems a bit surprised as he poses in this photo, taken by the Los Angeles Times.
March 1958
Patty Berg earned her spot on the cover of the 1958 Annual by being named the No. 1 Women golfer for the third straight year. Berg was the leading money earner on the LPGA tour, winning five tournaments and placing second in four other events, including the U.S. Open.Patty Berg earned her spot on the cover of the 1958 Annual by being named the No. 1 Women golfer for the third straight year. Berg was the leading money earner on the LPGA tour, winning five tournaments and placing second in four other events, including the U.S. Open.
March 1959
A year after winning Golf Digest's "Most Improved Professional" award, Mickey Wright, a 23-year-old from California, topped the 1958 LPGA rankings by taking two of the year's three major championships--the U.S. Women's Open and the LPGA Championship. She won five tournaments in all. Wright won 82 LPGA tournaments, including 13 majors, second only to Kathy Whitworth in all-time victories.A year after winning Golf Digest's "Most Improved Professional" award, Mickey Wright, a 23-year-old from California, topped the 1958 LPGA rankings by taking two of the year's three major championships--the U.S. Women's Open and the LPGA Championship. She won five tournaments in all. Wright won 82 LPGA tournaments, including 13 majors, second only to Kathy Whitworth in all-time victories.
October 1959
"The Most Beautiful Golfer" contest was a mainstay feature in Golf Digest's early years. As the cover notes for this issue say, "Golf isn't everything, but it goes a long way in our book, especially when it comes in the form presented by our Most Beautiful Golfer for 1959, Elaine Woodman..." A 19-year-old junior at Wichita University, Woodman sported a 4 handicap and was chosen over four other finalists, the editors wrote, "by vote of the nation's leading golf writers.""The Most Beautiful Golfer" contest was a mainstay feature in Golf Digest's early years. As the cover notes for this issue say, "Golf isn't everything, but it goes a long way in our book, especially when it comes in the form presented by our Most Beautiful Golfer for 1959, Elaine Woodman..." A 19-year-old junior at Wichita University, Woodman sported a 4 handicap and was chosen over four other finalists, the editors wrote, "by vote of the nation's leading golf writers."
February 1960
Betsy Rawls gets a spot on the cover of the 1960 Annual after being the LPGA's top money winner the year before. Rawls broke Marlene Hagge's 1956 earnings record, taking home $26,774. The Texan won 10 tournaments in 1959, bettering the previous mark for wins by two. She also won the Vare Trophy for lowest average score (73.58) and along the way set a putting record by taking only 22 putts in the first round of the Nehi Open.Betsy Rawls gets a spot on the cover of the 1960 Annual after being the LPGA's top money winner the year before. Rawls broke Marlene Hagge's 1956 earnings record, taking home $26,774. The Texan won 10 tournaments in 1959, bettering the previous mark for wins by two. She also won the Vare Trophy for lowest average score (73.58) and along the way set a putting record by taking only 22 putts in the first round of the Nehi Open.
December 1960
Evidently getting an early start on their holiday celebrations, here's what the editors wrote in the "On the Cover" caption: "Help! Police! An imposter has landed among us! This curvaceous young thing obviously is not Santa Claus, nor even a reasonable facsimile. On the other hand, hold the phone. Who are we to argue with progress? "Santa" is really Flo Walters, captain of the Desert Inn dancers at Las Vegas, and a welcome sight in any chimney."Evidently getting an early start on their holiday celebrations, here's what the editors wrote in the "On the Cover" caption: "Help! Police! An imposter has landed among us! This curvaceous young thing obviously is not Santa Claus, nor even a reasonable facsimile. On the other hand, hold the phone. Who are we to argue with progress? "Santa" is really Flo Walters, captain of the Desert Inn dancers at Las Vegas, and a welcome sight in any chimney."
November 1962
Now printed as a full-size magazine, Golf Digest has also stepped up its presentation of instruction articles, with graphic overlays and increased use of step-by-step photographs. This cover story, written by LPGA Tour player Marilynn Smith, focuses on the role of the right arm through the swing. Inside, Smith demonstrates how "conscious use of the 'strong' arm's often-neglected power will provide extra distance."Now printed as a full-size magazine, Golf Digest has also stepped up its presentation of instruction articles, with graphic overlays and increased use of step-by-step photographs. This cover story, written by LPGA Tour player Marilynn Smith, focuses on the role of the right arm through the swing. Inside, Smith demonstrates how "conscious use of the 'strong' arm's often-neglected power will provide extra distance."
September 1963
Now the dominant LPGA player, Mickey Wright makes her second Golf Digest cover. As the editors' note says, "Mickey Wright makes 'great copy' these days, so we've given her plenty of 'ink' in our special section for and about women golfers. On page 22 Gene Gregston authors a story on Miss Wright as only an old friend could--and Gene is just that. It is a highly distinctive twosome. On page 29 Mickey puts her special putting technique on the line for analysis by our Professional Panel."Now the dominant LPGA player, Mickey Wright makes her second Golf Digest cover. As the editors' note says, "Mickey Wright makes 'great copy' these days, so we've given her plenty of 'ink' in our special section for and about women golfers. On page 22 Gene Gregston authors a story on Miss Wright as only an old friend could--and Gene is just that. It is a highly distinctive twosome. On page 29 Mickey puts her special putting technique on the line for analysis by our Professional Panel."
February 1965
By winning the 1964 U.S. Women's Open, Mickey Wright earns her third Golf Digest cover, this time as part of a "What You Can Learn from the Swings of These Champions..." instruction package. Inside, Golf Digest Professional Advisor Paul Runyan reviews a 10-frame swing sequence of Wright, writing, "To be able to discourse on the positive aspects of a great golf swing like Mickey Wright's is indeed a pleasant assignment."By winning the 1964 U.S. Women's Open, Mickey Wright earns her third Golf Digest cover, this time as part of a "What You Can Learn from the Swings of These Champions..." instruction package. Inside, Golf Digest Professional Advisor Paul Runyan reviews a 10-frame swing sequence of Wright, writing, "To be able to discourse on the positive aspects of a great golf swing like Mickey Wright's is indeed a pleasant assignment."
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