Helen Dettweiler

Helen Dettweiler was an American professional female golfer who was born on January 1, 1919, and was the first woman golfer to turn pro. She competed and won the title at the Western Open in 1939. She was one of the 13 charter members of the Ladies Professional Golf Association in 1950. She competed and played at the LPGA Tours in the 1950s and the 1960s. She was also a professional golf instructor who was teaching regularly at the Thunderbird and Eldorado Country Clubs in Palm Springs. In 1946, she was privileged to design a nine-hole golf course in Coachella, California, which was owned by the pioneer American aviator, Jacqueline Cochran. Miss Dettweiler was also known for organizing golf tournaments and exhibitions for charitable institutions.

Dettweiler resided in Portland Oregon, and then moved to Palm Desert in her later years, until she lost her battle to cancer and died on November 12, 1990, at the age of 71.