Ambassador & Golf Instructor for the Shadow Hills Golf Club To be Inducted Into the Golf Hall of Fame in June 2024
Sandra Palmer’s golfing career transcended boundaries and conquered the peaks of the professional sport. A remarkable saga that began in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, and found its roots in the greens of Maine. Her story isn’t merely one of victories etched on the golf course, but a profound testament to her passion and unrelenting devotion to the sport that continues into her retirement years.
Sandra grew up in Bangor, Maine, where she first discovered her love for golf. On the quaint golf courses of her childhood town, she swung her first club, setting her on a path to greatness. Sandra later attended North Texas State University, where she was known
for her golf prowess and charisma, serving as a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. While at the university, she was a runner-up in the 1961 National Collegiate Championship, showcasing her budding talent. Sandra was also an Alpha Delta Pi sorority member, forming bonds that would last a lifetime.
Her golf journey took off when she became a professional golfer and joined the LPGA Tour in 1964. Sandra Palmer’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. She won 19 LPGA Tour events, including two major championships, the 1972 Titleholders Championship and the 1975 U.S. Women’s Open. Her ten consecutive top-10 finishes on the money list from 1968 to 1977 exemplified her consistency and skill. She was the 1975 winner of the Colgate Dinah Shore Winner’s Circle, and in that same year, she was a 19-time LPGA Tour champion, topping the money list and awarded the LPGA Player of the Year title. All her extraordinary achievements cemented her status as a true golf legend. “I played for the love of the game,” Sandra exclaims.
The pinnacle of her career was her election to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2023, with the induction ceremony scheduled for June. Her pending induction will be presented by the iconic Ann Murray, officially announcing Sandra into the Golf Hall of Fame— an acknowledgment richly deserved and long overdue. This well deserved honor marked the culmination of decades of dedication to the sport she loved. “I am overwhelmed; it is a special honor to be inducted into the World Gold Hall of Fame,” Sandra reflected. The news of her induction into the Golf Hall of Fame was a testament to her lifelong commitment to the sport. Alongside iconic names like Harvey Penick and fellow women golfers like Beverly Hanson and Shirley Spork, Sandra Palmer stood as a trailblazer in the world of golf. “I am so excited!” Sandra said with a bright smile, “I feel very fortunate!”
Sandra’s journey was remarkable, and her impact on the world of golf extended far beyond her career days. In her retirement years, Sandra Palmer shares her love and knowledge of golf with others. “I still feel like I have a lot to contribute; it is rewarding when my students
improve their game,” Sandra adds. “Golf is a journey; the real goal is to have fun on the course!” Since golf is a big part of the Sun City community, Sandra lives by example, continues to live an active and healthy lifestyle, and is involved with the golfing community. Sandra works as an Ambassador for the Shadow Hills Golf Club, dedicating herself to teaching the game to golf enthusiasts of all levels. “I love to keep my game up, and I love meeting people,” Sandra beams.
She welcomes everyone, from those learning golf for the first time to those who want to advance their skill levels.
Sandra’s legacy transcended her playing career, and she epitomizes an enduring legacy—a beacon of inspiration for golfers worldwide. Her unwavering dedication to teaching others a profound love for the sport embodies the essence of true sportsmanship and camaraderie. From the quaint greens of Bangor, Maine, to the esteemed Hall of Fame, Sandra’s life journey is a timeless testament to the enduring power of passion—fueling dreams and inspiring generations of golfers at every level.
To learn more or to book a lesson with Sandra Palmer visit the Shadow Hills Golf Club at 80-875 Avenue 40 Indio (next to the Shadows Restaurant). Email her at [email protected] or call her direct at 949-677-1081
