Jenny Lee Smith, the inaugural Women's British Open champion, will attend this year's event at Royal Lytham & St Annes as a guest of the R&A. Her 1976 victory at Fulford, near York, came amid a chest infection and uncertainty about playing. She recalls relying on crowd whispers for scores, winning with a four on the 18th hole, and receiving a wooden plinth with candlesticks as a prize. The 2023 champion will earn $1.5m from a $10m purse.
Friendship with Kevin Keegan
Smith was unable to accept the 1982 North East Sports Personality of the Year award due to US golf commitments. The following year, she presented the trophy to Kevin Keegan, who died last week at age 75. Sponsored by Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, they worked together frequently. Keegan would send taxis for her mother and ask about Smith's tournaments. 'He became a good friend and was such a lovely chap,' she said.
Discovering a Secret Twin
Smith was adopted, learning this at age 14 during a hurtful argument. In 2013, her book 'My Secret Sister' revealed she met her twin, Helen, at age 55. Their mother had asked Smith not to contact Helen. 'It was absolutely extraordinary,' Smith said. 'Since we wrote the book, a lot more has come to light.' The reunion was a shock for Helen, who had no idea Smith existed.
Pioneering Women's Golf
In 1978, Smith became a founder member of the Ladies European Tour (initially the Women's Professional Golfers' Association). She recalls arriving at clubs with no practice ground or putting green, and members unaware of events. 'We had a tournament in France, turned up and the prize money hadn't been sent to the bank,' she said. Her first winner's cheque was £225, which she used to buy a caravan to tow to events. 'In those days we were playing for a pittance compared to now.'
Life After Golf
Smith, now 77, stopped playing over a dozen years ago after an operation on an arthritic right hand left her unable to grip a club. 'Rather than hack around, which would give me no pleasure at all, I packed it in,' she said. She now focuses on grandchildren and dogs. She regards the R&A invite as a 'great honour' and is excited to see the tournament's growth. 'The standard of golf really is incredible,' she said. 'These girls are so powerful and score so well.'
