To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Ladies European Tour (LET), we want to recognise the sacrifice and devotion of the group of distinguished women who kickstarted the Tour and helped make it what it is today, honouring them through a brand new video series named ‘Celebrating The Founders’.
During their latest reunion at Thorpeness Golf Club, the LET met and interviewed eight of the founding members as well as two early members to learn about the early years on Tour, what they’ve done since and reflect on how far the LET has come. Two more have since been interviewed.
In episode three, we spoke to Vivien Saunders OBE who is the definition of a trailblazer.
Saunders was one of the first overseas players to feature on the LPGA and when circumstances forced her home, she decided to start a tour in Europe.
The Englishwoman faced several obstacles along the way but continued to push forward and eventually, it paid off.
Prior to the tour’s debut in 1979, Vivien had also pioneered the Women’s British Open and put forward £1000 in prize money for its first event in 1976.
Hear more about Saunders’ incredible story by watching the next episode of ‘Celebrating The Founders’ below…
Following a glittering amateur career and graduating in psychology from London University, Saunders turned professional in 1969 and moved to the US to join the LPGA.
Vivien returned home three years later when her mother became ill, and would subsequently lose her ranking points on the tour.
That prompted the Surrey-born golfer to work at getting a tour set up in the UK. The idea of a womens professional golf tour wasn’t welcomed by the majority and this presented Vivien with several obstacles.
As she pushed on and met people who wanted to help, eventually the LET – then the WPGA – became official on 1st November 1978, with the first tournament taking place at Tyrells Wood on April 26th 1979.
Vivien would win four times on the European professional circuit, including the 1977 Women’s British Open, before pursuing a career in coaching and as a solicitor.
Follow all the action throughout our 2024 season on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #RaiseOurGame.
