May 13, 2025
The Summer of 1977
I recently sadly learned of the passing of Barbara McIntire of Colorado Springs at the age of 90. She was one of the best women golfers in the 1950's through the 70's. That brought back memories of my time as the teaching professional at The Broadmoor in Colorado during the summer of 1977. Barbara, along with Judy Bell, Tish Pruess owned and operated, very successfully, the Short Story women's boutique and two other shops at The Broadmoor. Nancy Roth Sims lived there also at that time and Cindy Hill spent the summer of 77 honing her game for her quest to the LPGA Tour.
These five ladies were amateur royalty. Together they won 3 USGA Women's Amateurs, 2 British Women's Amateurs, 1 USGA Senior Women's Amateur, and the five of them played on the Curtis Cup team a total of 19 times! Barbara captained the winning Curtis Cup team twice, while Tish and Nancy were winning captains once each. Cindy was the only one of these ladies that turned professional and in her LPGA Tour career won twice. Barbara almost became the first amateur to win the USGA Women's Open, only to lose in an 18-hole play-off to Cathy Cornelius in 1956. Judy Bell is best known for being the first woman elected president of the USGA, but in her youth, she won the Western Women's Amateur and other prestigious amateur events along with five Kansas Women's Amateurs before moving to Colorado. She also captained two victorious Curtis Cup teams.
I was fortunate to be included in their games at The Broadmoor. Along with Dow Finsterwald, we had a regular Sunday afternoon game of three foursomes along with other members of Broadmoor. This was a team event and was taken seriously. Many times we went for a cookout, either at Dow's or Judy's place. Didn't know how lucky I was to be in that company and watch the best of women's golf on display.
Golf professionals are always learning. I learned a lot by playing with Dow, but these women played a different game. They didn't overpower the golf course. Their games were controlled and precise. Nothing exaggerated, just put it in the right position and attack when the opportunity presented itself. There wasn't a lot of talk about swing mechanics, actually probably none, but more about feeling the shots and executing to the best of their ability. Their love of the game shown through by the way they approached the game. It was a pleasure just being a spectator.
Sometimes you meet someone that is just different and extraordinary. Judy Bell was one of those people. We instantly formed a friendship. Her personality was infectious. There seemingly was nothing that she couldn't do. In 1977, she was 41 and viewed her business interests, her golf, and anything she put her mind to with the most positive attitude that I had ever witnessed. She saw life through the eyes of a wide-eyed teenager. The last time I saw her was at the US Open at Shinnecock Hill on Long Island in 2004. She was battling a health issue that has put her in a wheelchair since that time. Even through she was having her problems, the smile and personality was still infectious. Nothing changed and I'm sure to this day, she is remaining positive.
Life is made up of treasured memories. Having that summer, teaching at The Broadmoor, getting to be friends with a major PGA champion like Dow Finsterwald was special. Having become friends with Judy Bell, Barbara McIntire, Tish Pruess, Nancy Roth Sims, and Cindy Hill was more than I expected. What wonderful golfers, but even better people. The summer of 77 was more special than I knew.
(First picture is Barbara McIntire and Judy Bell in late 50's, second picture is Judy during the 1960 Curtis Cup)
