Joan “Big Mama” Kerner is 50 years oldNumber She won the United States Golf Association (USGA) Lifetime Championship at age 85, despite her age and health problems.
Karner, known as a lively cigarette smoker on the golf course, joked that the extra steps to the locker rooms this year might force him to kick his nicotine habit.
The golfer is an LPGA legend with 43 wins over her lengthy career, according to Golfweek magazine. “I haven't won it yet,” she told reporters about her past five appearances in the tournament.
Karner will struggle to compete with younger players. Known for her long drives, she averages 205-210 yards, well above her desired 220. (RELATED: LPGA's Charlie Hull enhances his icon status by signing fans' cigarettes)
Long before she was affectionately known as “Big Mama,” she was “The Great Gandy,” an amateur feared and loved by all. Joan Gunderson Kerner won the Junior Amateur and the U.S. Amateur five times before turning professional. She won 43 LPGA titles, including two U.S. Open championships. #GolfHistory pic.twitter.com/SfNFIPKtD6
— Stephen Proctor (@SProctorGolf) May 16, 2023
And yet, the golfer continues to impress fans, despite being the oldest player ever to compete in a USGA championship: Last year, she started with an 80 in Portland, matching or beating younger players six times in the history of the championship.
The golf legend uses a cart to get around during tournaments because he is unable to walk hilly terrain due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Karner still commands a lot of respect from her competitors. Julie Inkster, runner-up in the first two Senior Women's Open tournaments, praised her dedication. “She plays golf because she loves it,” she said. “Nobody's telling her to go out on the court and hit the ball.”
