The first time I heard of Babe was when I went to a psychic reading. When I entered this nice lady’s home, I was expecting your typical glass ball setting with interesting decorations in the room. Funny enough, it was the total opposite. It was like sitting at my grandma’s house. She served me some tea, and as I stirred it, I found myself pondering the same question that Spoon boy asked Neo in The Matrix: “Does the spoon exist?”. She snapped me back into reality and went on to tell me that I would witness female golf greatness, and that Babe Didrikson was my golf angel. Inside, my ego was like, “What about my greatness and what does Baseball’s Babe have to do with golf?” Interestingly, I got to watch and record a documentary about my cousin Lorena winning her first major at the home of golf, St. Andrews, at the 2007 Women’s British Open. I also learned about Babe Didrikson Zaharias and became a fan of hers.

For my “Golf in English” program, I have a section called “Golf’s Heroes and History.” During this class, we discuss a golfing hero, and I also show them pictures and YouTube videos of that particular person or golf historical moment. We’ve talked about Seve Ballesteros’ artistic short game, speed, and flair on the golf course, as well as how Bobby Jones used St. Andrews as inspiration to design Augusta National, home of The Masters. Today, we are going to learn about the great Babe Didrikson Zaharias and what we can learn from her.

Short Bio story of Babe   

Once upon a time, there was a very special lady named Babe Didrikson Zaharias, but her friends called her Babe. She was born on June 26, 1911, in a town called Port Arthur, Texas. Babe was like a superhero because she was super good at lots of different sports!

Ever since Babe was little, she showed everyone how amazing she was at playing games. She possessed remarkable speed, leaped with agility, hurled objects at impressive distances, and demonstrated exceptional precision. When she went to school, she played basketball, baseball, and did lots of running and jumping in track and field.

But Babe’s real superpower showed when she competed in

the Olympics, which are the biggest sports competitions

in the whole world! In 1932, at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Babe won not one, not two, but THREE medals!

She won two shiny gold medals in the javelin and 80-meter hurdles, and one shiny silver medal in the high jump.

After the Olympics, Babe decided to try a new sport – golf! Even though she didn’t know much about it at first, she practiced a lot and became one of the best golfers ever. She won numerous major championships, including 10 LPGA major titles. Among her major wins were the U.S. Women’s Open titles in 1948, 1950, and 1954.

Her victory in the 1954 U.S. Women’s Open at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts, was particularly exciting. Despite battling cancer and having undergone surgery just a year prior, Babe led the tournament from start to finish, securing her victory with a record-setting score of 291, the lowest ever in the history of the U.S. Women’s Open at that time. This dramatic and inspiring win highlighted her extraordinary skill and indomitable spirit.

But Babe wasn’t just great at sports; she was also a really cool person. She didn’t let anyone tell her she couldn’t do something just because she was a girl. She showed everyone that girls can be amazing athletes too!

Sadly, Babe got sick with cancer and passed away when she was 45 years old. But even though she’s not here anymore, people still remember her as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Babe Didrikson Zaharias will always be a hero in the world of sports, inspiring people young and old everywhere to believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams.

Lessons from Babe Didrikson Zaharias:

• Smart work and determination are key: Despite being new to golf, Babe practiced with focused intensity and became one of the best golfers ever. Her dedication to improvement and her ability to work smartly are qualities every golfer can emulate.

• Speed and Power: Babe’s athletic prowess was marked by her remarkable speed and power, evident in her performances on the track and field as well as on the golf course. Golfers can learn from her emphasis on developing speed and power in their swings, translating to greater distance and effectiveness on the course.

• Adaptability: Babe excelled in multiple sports, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to new challenges. Golfers can learn to embrace versatility and adapt their skills to different courses and playing conditions.

• Courage and Resilience: Babe faced obstacles and challenges throughout her life but never let them deter her from pursuing her dreams. Golfers can draw inspiration from her courage and resilience, learning to overcome setbacks and continue striving for success.

• Breaking Barriers: Babe shattered stereotypes and gender norms, proving that girls can be amazing athletes too. Golfers can follow her example by advocating for inclusivity and equality in the sport, creating a welcoming environment for all players.

• Legacy and Inspiration: Despite her untimely passing, Babe’s legacy lives on as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Golfers can be inspired by her story to leave their mark on the sport and inspire future generations to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

These reasons are why I consider Babe Didrikson Zaharias one of Golf’s heroes. So, the next time you’re on the golf course and pondering the mysteries of the universe, just remember: whether it’s the spoon in your tea or the swing in your game, sometimes it’s best not to overthink it and just enjoy the moment. I think the Matrix’s Spoon Boy would say, “There is no golf ball, just your intention. Swing accordingly and swing away.”