Judy Bell obituary

"She also helped to build short courses to bring children into golf, and while she was aware that these were necessarily long-term projects, she said: If we don't even try then we've wasted a wonderful opportunity to truly make golf an all-inclusive sport. I believe that the USGA has to be for all golfers. If we're the governing body of the sport we really do have to look out for everyone."

"Bell's views were refreshing in an organisation that was perceived as mostly being concerned about the eastern establishment, the button-down shirt and blue blazer brigade. She disconcerted some of them, both for being a woman where none had gone before, and because she was never afraid to express an opinion. However, she claimed that she never felt any ill will."

Judy Bell became the first female president of the United States Golf Association in 1996 and served until 1999. She was an accomplished golfer, administrator and diplomat who promoted golf's expansion into underserved areas, including inner cities. She traveled thousands of miles annually from 1987 onward to encourage affordable public facilities and helped build short courses for children. She believed the USGA should serve all golfers and pursued inclusive, long-term projects. She challenged establishment perceptions, said she never viewed golf in gendered terms, and grew up as the only daughter among four children in Wichita, Kansas.

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