Barbara Gaile Romack (November 16, 1932 – October 15, 2016) was an American professional golfer.
Early life and amateur career In 1932, Romack was born in Sacramento, California.LPGA Tour profile
In 1952, Romack won the North and South Women's Amateur at Pinehurst, the 1953 Canadian Women's Amateur, and then, in 1954, she defeated Mickey Wright in the finals to win the U.S. Women's Amateur. Her playing brought an invitation to the White House and President Dwight Eisenhower became a great friend.
In 1955, Romack finished second to Jessie Valentine in the British Ladies Amateur played at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Her golfing performances earned her the cover of Sports Illustrated on April 16, 1956.
Romack was the runner-up to Anne Quast in the 1958 U.S. Women's Amateur. She was also a member of the U.S. Curtis Cup team in 1954, 1956, and 1958.
Professional career In 1958, Romack joined the LPGA Tour. Her only official tour win was the 1963 Rock City Ladies Open.
She won on the senior tour and remained involved with the game of golf throughout her life. She worked for the USGA as a volunteer. At one time she served as vice-president of the LPGA.
Personal life In May 1957, she married Edward Wayne "Bud" Porter, an associate golf professional at course in her native Sacramento, California.
On February 21, 1968, Romack was on a Delta Air Lines flight when it was hijacked by Lawrence Rhodes. After three hours, Romack and the rest of the passengers were released.
In 2016, Romack died, aged 83.
Amateur wins 1952 North and South Women's Amateur, California State Women's Amateur 1953 Canadian Women's Amateur 1954 U.S. Women's Amateur, California State Women's Amateur 1956 California State Women's Amateur 1958 California State Women's Amateur South Atlantic Amateur (three times)
Professional wins LPGA Tour wins (1) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunner-up1Jun 9, 1963Rock City Ladies Open −1 (72-71-69=212)Playoff Shirley Englehorn
LPGA Tour playoff record (1–0) No.YearTournamentOpponentResult11963Rock City Ladies Open Shirley EnglehornWon with par on third extra hole Source:
Other wins 1960 Leesburg Pro-Am
Team appearances Amateur Curtis Cup (representing the United States): 1954 (winners), 1956, 1958 (tie)
References
External links
Golfer has helped mold next generation