Background
Didrikson, Babe was born on June 26, 1911 in Port Arthur, Texas, United States. Daughter of Ole and Hanna Marie (Olson) Didrikson.
Didrikson, Babe was born on June 26, 1911 in Port Arthur, Texas, United States. Daughter of Ole and Hanna Marie (Olson) Didrikson.
Played for Employers Casualty Company's Golden Cyclone basketball and track teams, Dallas, 1930-1932, entered as the sole member of her team in the women's national amateur track championships and by herself won the team championship, 1932. Qualified for 5 events in Olympic Games, Los Angeles, 1932, women only allowed to compete in 3, broke world records for women in javelin (gold medal), 80 meter hurdle (gold medal), and high jump (silver medal). Traveled vaudeville circuit with Babe Didrikson's All-Americans basketball team and the House of David baseball team.
Began playing golf as amateur, 1933, but amateur status revoked, 1935, not reinstated until 1943. Turned pro, 1947, winner of 33 tournaments, including 3 time winner of United States Women's Open, 1948, 50, 54. After being diagnosed with cancer in 1953 won 5 titles including 3rd United States Women's Open.
Co-founder Ladies Professional Golf Association (Ladies Professional Golf Association), 1949.
Married George Zaharias, December 23, 1938.