Baugh used popularity to pioneer LPGA at young age

PHOENIX – Laura Baugh was one of the game’s original teen phenoms.

She was one of its first sex symbols.

While she didn’t win an LPGA event after a stellar amateur career, she won a lot of fans to the game as one of the tour’s most popular players. She did so over a career that overlapped generations that ranged from Mickey Wright’s to Annika Sorenstam’s.

Baugh is being recognized this week as a Bank of Hope Founders Cup honoree.

“I used to eat dinner with Patty Berg,” Baugh said. “I played with Mickey Wright in the last tournament she won. I played with Nancy Lopez in her heyday, and I played with Annika Sorenstam. So, this is a great honor, to be here. I feel blessed to be part of this…