Elaine Raines has been the librarian at the Arizona Daily Star for almost 30 years. While she does not claim to be a historian, she does have access to a treasure trove of great historical information.
"Tales from the Morgue" is a way to share some of that information with readers.
If you have an idea for a tale from Tucson's past that you would like to share, please e-mail morguetales@ azstarnet.com.
Over 50 'proette' golfers teed off at the first GAC Golf Classic
10/12/2008 06:00 PM Elaine Raines
In 1972, the first GAC Golf Classic was held in Tucson. It was designed to make Tucson a permanent stop on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. The leading names in ladies golf had committed to play in what would become a shortened 36-hole tournament.
In late October, the field at the 49ers Country Club included Kathy Whitworth, Judy Rankin, and Jo Anne Carner. The prize money was $30,000. The weather did not cooperate, however. Heavy and steady rain washed out the Thursday pro-am and the first day of play on Friday.
1972 Sheaffer photo by Harry Lewis Betsy Cullen, center, stays dry with help from Betsy Rawls, left, and Judy Kimball.
Over 140 golfers had signed up to play in the pro-am tournament. Of that field, one-third were women. The event was rescheduled and took place on the Monday following the tournament. The winning pro-am team, led by pro Lexie Martone, consisted of Ellen Heiny, Jack Moore and Chuck Pettus. Their best-ball score was 55.
When the first round started on Saturday, the ‘proettes’ (remember it was 1972) expressed surprise on the course’s good condition. The tournament champion was Betsy Rawls who carded a 141. Rawls was playing in her first event following surgery. The winner’s check was for $4,500.
Star files The top scorers in the first GAC Golf Classic in 1972.
For their support of the tournament, the Classic Ladies received a check for $7,500 from GAC Properties. The money was distributed to local charities with the largest amount going to the Arizona Kidney Foundation.
