Honoring Ann Probert: A Legend of New Jersey Golf and Service
Celebrating 59 years with the Garden State Women’s Golf Association
Touted as one of the top female amateur golfers of her generation in the Metropolitan area, Ann Probert’s journey in golf began almost by accident. Growing up alongside the 18th hole at Rock Spring Country Club, a young, barefooted Ann would carry her own bag onto the course and start swinging. “It seemed to come somewhat easily,” she recalled. By age 14, taking lessons from the assistant pro, her natural gift blossomed into a lifelong passion.
In 1956, after entering her first competitive tournaments, 16-year-old Ann pulled off an extraordinary hat-trick: winning the WMGA Junior Girls’ Championship, the New Jersey Junior Girls’ Championship, and her very first Rock Spring Club Championship. That triumphant summer flipped a switch, setting off one of the most distinguished competitive careers in regional golf history.
A Champion’s Record & Natural Talent
Even after graduating from Smith College, marrying her late husband Ted, and raising three children, Ann continued to dominate the regional golf scene. Famous for her relaxed approach—often arriving at tournaments with barely enough time to tie her shoes before stepping onto the first tee—her natural talent consistently shone through:
- 17-Time Garden State Women’s Golf Association Champion
- Elizabeth Goss Round Robin Champion (4-Time Winner): 1971, 1982, 1989, 1992
- Foshay Award Winner: 2004
- Stroke Play Champion (2-Time Winner): 1981, 1986
- Senior Champion: 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2005
- Super Senior Champion: 2007
- 5-Time Women’s New Jersey Stroke Play Champion
- 4-Time WMGA Stroke-Play Champion
- 25-Time Club Champion at Somerset Hills Country Club—a feat so legendary that the club named the Ann L. Probert Championship Trophy in her honor.
- National Competitor: Qualified for six U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships, as well as the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur.
- 11-Time Griscom Cup Representative for the WMGA, and 2-time runner-up in the New Jersey Women’s Amateur.
Leadership, Advocacy, and Legacy
Ann’s mark on the game extends far beyond her long list of trophies. A tireless advocate for growing women’s and girls’ golf, she has served at the highest levels of governance and philanthropy:
- USGA Leadership: Served 11 years on the Junior Girls’ Championship Committee, 9 years on the Women’s Committee, and as Chairperson of the Senior Women’s Amateur. Honored with the prestigious USGA Ike Grainger Award in 2009.
- WMGA President & Foundation Pioneer: Served as WMGA President (1991–1992), helped found the WMGA Foundation, and served as its President (2004–2006). Honored with the WMGA Judy Bell Award in 2002.
- Community Service: Beyond the fairways, Ann served as Board President for the JBWS (Jersey Battered Women’s Service), an organization close to her heart.
“I can’t tell you how much golf has meant to me in my life. Not just playing the game, but the very close friendships that I’ve been able to make throughout my life. That’s certainly the biggest benefit of all.”
— Ann Probert
Today, as we celebrate her 59 year milestone with the GSWGA, we honor Ann Probert not only as a decorated champion, but as a trailblazer whose grace, competitive spirit, and decades of leadership have elevated the game for generations of women to come. Congratulations, Ann!