Legendary golfer Jeanne Bisgood, who played a pivotal role in beating the US for the first time ever in a historic competition, has passed away at the age of 100. Bisgood, a prominent player in the 1950s, achieved great success in both national and international golf tournaments.
Among her many accomplishments, Bisgood won the English Women’s Amateur Championship three times and proudly represented Great Britain & Ireland in the Curtis Cup. In 1952, she was part of the team that secured the first victory against the US since the inception of the Curtis Cup in 1932.
Prior to her illustrious golf career, Bisgood studied history at Oxford and participated in breaking codes during World War 2. After the war, she pursued a career in law and was called to the Bar in 1948. Her involvement in international competitions allowed her to navigate stringent post-war currency controls.
In addition to her athletic and legal endeavors, Bisgood also embarked on a political career in the 1960s. She served as a non-playing captain in the 1970 edition of the Curtis Cup and later became a respected Tory councillor for Poole. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded a CBE for her work as the chair of the Dorset County Council education committee.
When asked about the secret to her long life, Bisgood credited her Catholic faith, stating, “The closer I get to the day of judgement, the more closely I stick to the rules.” Jeanne Bisgood leaves behind a legacy of excellence in golf, law, and public service, and will be remembered as a trailblazer in women’s sports.
