Elizabeth Gordon

Elizabeth Gordon was born in Scotland in 1893 and emigrated to the United States as a young woman with her older brother George and younger sister Margaret. Her brother, George, who turned professional at age 17 while in Scotland went on to become the storied club pro at Wannamoisett Country Club beginning in 1911 until 1961, an amazing 50-year tenure.

Elizabeth who had taken up the game in Scotland had her older brother to call upon whenever her swing needed a fix. She was awarded an honorary membership at Wannamoisett where she further honed her game to championship caliber.

Elizabeth won six RIWGA Amateur Championships including five straight from 1916-1920. The legendary Glenna Collett Vare broke her streak by claiming the title in 1921. Elizabeth went on to win her sixth title in 1924. Only Julie Greene (8) has won more titles while Betty Jean Hulteng is the only other player to win at least six.

Elizabeth’s sister, Margaret, was also a fine player, winning the RIWGA Championship in 1925 and 1926. So between them both sisters won eight titles in an eleven year span. Elizabeth went on to resign her amateur status in 1925 to become perhaps the first female club professional in America when she became the golf professional at the Acoaxet Club in Westport, MA that year. Elizabeth passed away in East Providence in 1965.