Shirley Spork

Shirley Geraldine Spork, a founding member of the LPGA, died Tuesday April 12th at the age of 94. She was a resident of the Coachella Valley since 1954. Shirley was born May 14, 1927 to William and Martha Spork in Detroit, Michigan. Many of Shirley's friends know the story of her childhood where she started her love of golf by buying her first golf club - a $1 putter. Learning to play golf at Detroit's Bonnie Brook Golf Course was the beginning of her journey to become a golf professional. Shirley would become one of the 13 founding members of the LPGA in 1950 and a founding member of the LPGA Teaching/Club Pro Division in 1959, now known as the LPGA Professionals division. In her college years, Shirley won the 1947 National Intercollegiate Championship and during her LPGA tour years, Shirley was runner up in the 1962 LPGA Championship. Shirley's education led her to a love of teaching golf where she excelled. Shirley was twice LPGA Teacher of the Year in 1959 and 1984. Shirley taught golf throughout the country including Tamarisk Country Club, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells CC, and Monterey CC in Palm Desert. Shirley never actually retired and was fully active in teaching golf to anyone including her favorite students - the junior golfers. For over 20 years, Shirley was director of instruction at The School of Golf for Women in Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego. Evolving the LPGA Professionals division into exponential growth is Shirley's legacy to the game. Shirley is featured in a must-see documentary film called The Founders - the wonderful story about the beginning history of the LPGA. Her autobiography, From Green to Tee, tells the story about Shirley's career. Shirley has been inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, Eastern Michigan University Athletic HOF, LPGA Teaching & Club Professional HOF, PGA of America HOF and most recently into the LPGA Hall of Fame. Shirley, a devout Catholic, freely gave her time to charities and other events. Shirley's quiet kindness was how she liked to help others in need. Shirley will be deeply missed by her LPGA family, friends, and students throughout the world in which she traveled. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Shirley's name to LPGA Professionals or to LPGA/USGA Girls Golf at LPGA - 100 International Golf Drive - Daytona Beach, Florida 32124-1092.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 15th from 5PM to 8PM with a Rosary at 6PM at Wiefels Chapel, 690 S. Vella Road, Palm Springs. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9AM on Monday, May 16, at Sacred Heart Church, 43775 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert. Commitment Ceremony will follow at 11AM at Desert Memorial Park, 31705 Da Vall Dr., Cathedral City.

The service will be a livestreamed video. This is the link to the YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg4FY0n4hwflwarXoqWs8sw

You will need to click on the video titled "Shirley Spork Funeral"