Oklahoma City University Athletics

Susie Maxwell Berning became the first woman to compete on a golf scholarship at Oklahoma City University.

She took up golf at age 15. Although only 5-foot-2, she was a powerhouse player. She won three state high school championships and three Oklahoma City Women’s Amateurs in 1959, 1960 and 1961.

Susie Maxwell turned pro in 1964 and became the LPGA rookie of the year. She won four major championships on the LPGA – the 1965 Western Open and the U.S. Women’s Open in 1968, 1972 and 1973. She won 11 tournaments on the LPGA. She set two records with a low score of 65 and two holes in one during a tournament.

Her introduction to the sport was unusual. One day in 1954, she was chasing her horse, which had gotten loose on the greens at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City. To pay for the damages, she gave the golf pro’s children horseback riding lessons. She and the pro became friends and soon the young athlete was learning golf.

Although there wasn’t much money for playing, she made the most of lessons and practice time. She leaned on the example of her driven and determined parents, who urged her and her brothers to work hard and never give up.

Her professional successes have been honored with various hall of fame awards, and she has been recognized as one of the LPGA’s top 50 players and teachers.