LPGA founder and World Golf Hall of Fame member Marilynn Smith died Tuesday morning. She was 89.
The tour and its players, past and present, took to social media to pay their respects to a woman, whom the tour would not exist without.
Her hugs were SO full of love, and her words always filled with encouragement. Thank you Marilynn Smith for all you’ve done for the @LPGA ❤️ We are forever grateful pic.twitter.com/JMhVUvBkyM
— Cheyenne Woods (@Cheyenne_Woods) April 9, 2019
It breaks my heart so much this morning to hear that one of our great founders Marilynn Smith has passed away . She was truly an amazing women and I personally will miss her so much.… https://t.co/QCBb1xblcg
— Brittany Lincicome (@Brittany1golf) April 9, 2019
So sad to hear the passing of Marilynn Smith, one of the founders of the @Lpga She was an amazing woman on and of the course. Her love and passion for the game was contagious. #trailblazer #RIP
— Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) April 9, 2019
It’s with a heavy heart I received the news that Marilynn Smith , one of the 12 founders of the LPGA passed away this morning ! You were a true inspiration and I admire your… https://t.co/UQDRjBFfng
— Suzann Pettersen (@suzannpettersen) April 9, 2019
Her greetings were as engaging as her love for the game. We are all better @LPGA because of her pic.twitter.com/KJ95iePd86
— Michael Whan (@LPGACommish) April 9, 2019
My heart breaks , this woman was a pioneer in our amazing sport. She was the most positive, loving and honest woman. I’m going to miss her hugs and her excitement about the tour and it’s players. pic.twitter.com/0QVyR6GcKV
— Jessica Korda (@Thejessicakorda) April 9, 2019
She always had the most encouraging things to say. Marilynn, thank you and I’m really going to miss you ❤️#celebratingMarilynn pic.twitter.com/vrxBrlwYvg
— Jessica Korda (@Thejessicakorda) April 9, 2019
“The PGA of America was saddened to learn of the passing of Marilynn Smith, an LPGA visionary who opened doors for all women golf professionals. Her pioneering spirit inspired so many and ensured women professionals were recognized & respected in the game” – @suzywhaley pic.twitter.com/1czjh4qOqN
— PGA of America (@PGA) April 9, 2019
So sad to hear about the passing of Marilynn Smith this morning. Incredibly grateful for the friendship and time I was able to spend with her over the last few years! So glad we have had the @LPGAfounders event to celebrate her and all the Founders!
— Stacy Lewis (@Stacy_Lewis) April 9, 2019
The @lpga was so fortunate to have this great lady! I will miss Marilynn’s handwritten letters the most! #lpgafounder pic.twitter.com/rIByqDw4xf
— Stacy Lewis (@Stacy_Lewis) April 9, 2019