The World Golf Hall of Fame catches up with Judy Rankin, the two-time Solheim Cup Captain Champion who attended the most recent 2015 Induction Ceremony in St Andrews, Scotland.
What was the most memorable win of your career?
The Colgate-Dinah Shore in 1976 has to be my most memorable win. Until then, I never believed that really big things were going to happen for me. It was a really important accomplishment and it meant a lot for my career. I also worked and represented the club at that time, so it was especially nice.
What is your favorite memory of the two Solheim Cups you captained?
I didn’t play college golf or any sort of team golf for that matter, so in a way, the Solheim Cup was my college experience. My favorite memory is the team spirit and camaraderie of the Cup. I enjoyed the competition and the duties that came with being Captain – putting pairs together and creating a good team environment. Trying to put successful athletes from an individual sport into a team environment is a challenge, yet so thrilling to see it come together.
You attended the Induction Ceremony this summer in St Andrews. What were your thoughts of the event?
I was really happy to be a part of the Induction Ceremony in St. Andrews. It is such a historic and beautiful venue. I also like the idea of rotating the venues around the world, and it was great to see so many Hall of Fame members attend this year’s event.
You recently received the 2015 Ambassador of Golf Award. What does this mean to you?
I can’t tell you how nice it was to receive the 2015 Ambassador of Golf Award. I was taken aback by how much I enjoyed it. The award comes from the Northern Ohio Golf Charities, the World Golf Championships tournament and the PGA TOUR, so it was very special for me to be among the list of those who have received that honor.
Tell us a bit about the JTR Suitcase Fund.
When I was eight years old, I wanted to go to my first Pee Wee golf tournament, but we didn’t have any money to speak of. My mother was ill and the members of this nine-hole course gave me a suitcase with $400 in it. With that my father and I drove to Orlando, and I won the tournament. I look back on that suitcase and see it as a true turning point in my life. We started the JTR Suitcase Fund to help girls in West Texas – my home – travel to play golf. We’re trying to develop great players and golfers – people who will stay in the game and learn from its values.
Talk about your memories of Louise Suggs.
Aside from the fact that Louise was a beautiful swinger of the club, she had such determination. A couple years ago I saw Lydia Ko swinging and thought that was as close as I have seen anyone swing like Louise. Louise was strong in her opinions. She would let you know what she thought, but she was so kind and funny. The golf world will miss her dearly.
