Linda Louise Craft

1993 Inductee
Athletics
(1939-1993)

A native of Jacksboro, Linda Louise Craft started playing golf at age 26. Two years later, she turned pro and toured with the Ladies Professional Golf Association for five years. After leaving the tour, she and professional golfer Penny Zavichas created the Craft-Zavichas Golf School.

Craft was diagnosed with cancer in 1974. Overcoming 12 surgeries, she remained active as a teacher, author, television commentator and fundraiser, hosting charity golf events for the Heart Fund, the Arthritic Foundation, and other organizations. In her courageous battle with cancer, Ms. Craft was an inspiration and outspoken volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She donated hundreds of hours each year to the American Cancer Society, holding golf clinics, giving motivational speeches and promoting fundraising events on the society’s behalf.

In 1990, Craft received the prestigious Ben Hogan Award, the Governor’s Victory Award for the State of Texas and the 1990 LPGA Ellen Griffin Rolex Award. She also received the very first American Cancer Society Award of Courage as an "an individual who exemplifies courage in her personal struggle against cancer... a symbol of optimism to all cancer patients and survivors."

A graduate in clinical psychology from Louisiana State University, Craft served two years on the LPGA Executive Board and as co-chairman on the LPGA Publicity Committee. She held a unique ranking of "Class A" in both the tour and teaching divisions.