Palmer, Sandra Jean (1941—)

American golfer. Born on March 10, 1941, in Fort Worth, Texas; awarded a degree in physical education from North Texas State University.

Had 21 professional career wins, including U.S. Women's Open (1975); was named LPGA Player of the Year (1975).

Small of frame (5′1½″, 117 pounds) and seldom driving a ball more than 220 yards, Sandra Jean Palmer won 14 LPGA events between 1971 and 1975, becoming one the most formidable competitors in modern women's golf. Born in 1941 in Fort Worth, Texas, Palmer began caddying at age 13 and was hooked on the game from that time on. A graduate of North Texas State University where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen, Palmer joined the LPGA tour in 1964, but did not win a major competition until 1971, when she eagled out of the sand on the final hole in the Sealy Classic to beat Donna Caponi Young . Thus began a winning streak that lasted through 1975, and included the 1971 Heritage Classic, the 1972 Four-Ball and Title-holders, the 1973 Pompano Beach, Angelo's Four-Ball, St. Paul, and National Jewish Hospital Opens, the 1974 Cameron Park Open, the 1974 Burdine's and Cubic Classics, the 1975 Dinah Shore Colgate Winners Circle, and the 1975 USGA Women's Open. Known for her intensity, Palmer made up for her lack of driving ability with a brilliant short game. Her career winnings through 1975, when she was named LPGA Player of the Year, were over $300,000. In 1986, she became the 13th pro in the LPGA to pass the million-dollar mark.