“The USGA meant everything to her."

Nice remembrances of the late USGA advocate, volunteer and first class human being Barbara Douglas from Beth Ann Baldry at Golfweek and Rhonda Glenn at USGA.org.

Baldry writes:

Martha Lang, the current chairman of the Women's Committee, said Douglas spoke with her hands a lot during meetings when she championed causes such as the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program. She always did have beautiful hands.

At the Golf Writers Association of America dinner last spring in Augusta, Ga., Douglas was honored with the Ben Hogan Award, given to an individual who continues to be active in golf despite a physical handicap or illness.

Golfweek editor Jeff Babineau introduced Douglas and choked back tears as he spoke of the courage she’d shown at championships around the world during her quiet battle with cancer. At the dinner table, Douglas lobbied (successfully) to send yours truly to the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links last summer at Bandon Dunes.

The WAPL held a special place in Douglas’ heart as she competed in the championship as an adult and later served on the committee. She was a champion of public golf and a staunch supporter of the organization that governs the game.

“The USGA meant everything to her,” said Christi Dickinson, a longtime friend and fellow committee member.