Only Woman Golf Pro is Pasadenan

Says Golf is ideal exercise for women

Mrs. Gourlay Dunn-Webb, who bears the unique distinction of being the only woman golf instructor in the country.

From an article published in 1919:

Pasadena has long been noted as being the home of many “best“ and various “onlys,“ but a new distinction has been added in the latter class by the presence here of the only woman golf professional in the country.

She is Mrs. Gourlay Dunn-Webb, is the niece of famous Willy Dunn, and is conducting a series of demonstrations at the Hotel Maryland.

Mrs. Webb comes from a family of noted golfers. Her grandfather and great grandfather on both sides were players and teachers, and her father, the late Thomas Dunn, was acknowledged the greatest teacher of his time. Mrs. Webb‘s mother was the first woman teacher in England, having taught golf in 1875 at the Royal Wimbledon Golf club.

Mrs. Webb was the next women instructor and taught the game at Prince’s Golf club, near London, one of the principal women’s golf clubs in England. Mrs. Webb can drive a ball 250 yards. The average woman’s drive is about 100 yards less.

She has worked out everything to her own satisfaction, dress as well as the method of procedure, playing the game to get the best results.

“It is simply wonderful,“ said Mrs. Webb, when I asked to give her opinion of the value of the game as an exercise and amusement. “It exercises every muscle in the body, even the toes, the head, the hands. It is the unique exercise. Golf is all a question of balance and poise, it creates a control of the body that no other game can give, and I’d say it is particularly beneficial for women.“

Mrs. Webb herself in action, with rare poise and control, is sufficient proof of the statement.

January 1919, Pacific Golf & Motor advertisement.

Aside from golf-instruction, this week Mrs. Webb is conducting the hiking expeditions from the Hotel Maryland.

©2021 jib jones – Golf Historical Society

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