born Jan. 6, 1957, Torrance, Calif., U.S.
U.S. golfer.
She left the University of Tulsa (Okla.) after her sophomore year to become a professional golfer. In her first full season in 1978, she won a record total of nine tournaments, including five in a row. She became a three-time winner of the Ladies' Professional Golf Association (LPGA) championship (1978, 1985, 1989) and a four-time LPGA Player of the Year. Her success and personality helped rejuvenate women's golf.