LPGA founder and legend Marilynn Smith dies at age 89

Marilynn Smith was more than a special player.

Though she earned induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame with her 21 LPGA victories and two majors, her legacy goes beyond the trophies she won.

As one of the 13 women who founded the LPGA in 1950, Smith filled so many roles vital to the organization’s growth. She spent time as tour president, secretary, business manager and public relations specialist. She fulfilled sales and marketing duties and tournament operation responsibilities.

Smith, like the 12 other women who built the organization, served multi-faceted roles to give the fledgling women’s tour a foundation that would last.

“Different players who were in that era, including myself,…