2. Patty Berg
Patty Berg was a sorority girl at the University of Minnesota who had played golf since she was a girl. She won 29 amateur titles and was Associated Press Athlete of the year in 1938 before turning professional in 1940. Three of those 29 victories, the Titleholders, were majors.
During WWII Berg was a lieutenant in the Marines but found a way to win another two majors during wartime: the 1941 and 1942 Women’s Western Open. When the LPGA was formed, she was the first president.
After WWII Berg returned to the professional circuit with enthusiasm. She won:
Women’s U.S. Open: 1946 Western Open in 1941, 1943, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1957 and 1958 Four more Titleholders in 1948, 1953, 1955, 1957. And those were only her majors victories.
After turning professional, the fewest number of tournaments she won in a year was in one in 1945, which was still a war year, and in the last two years of her playing career.
Her best year was 1963 when she won seven times. In 1955, she won six times, and in 1951 and 1957 she won five times. She won three tournaments a year six times.
Suggs was leading money winner three years, in 1954, 1955 and 1957. She won the Vare trophy for low scoring average in 1953, 1955 and 1956. She was Associated Press Athlete of the Year again in 1943 and 1955.
In all, Berg won 63 times. Because she has won more majors than anyone but one golfer, she remains the second best golfer in history.
Next: No. 1 - Jack Nicklaus