Patty Berg has written a letter to the LPGA revealing that she is in the early stages of Alzheimers disease.
The 86-year-old Berg, still very active despite her advancing years, will reluctantly scale back her activities.
Since its inception (in 1950), the LPGA has always been a mainstay in my life, she said. Berg, a native of Minneapolis, Minn., who now lives in Fort Myers, Fl., was a founding member of the organization.
Ill still show up whenever I can, and if possible will attend functions to which I am asked to take part.’
Berg said that it is extremely difficult for a lifelong athlete to first face and then adapt to diminishing powers, both physical and mental. However, I have no other choice and as a result I ask your indulgence if at times Im not exactly the Patty Berg youve known all these years.
Berg, who turned professional in 1940, won 57 times during her long career, starting in 1941 before the LPGA was formed. She won 15 major championships, eight during the LPGA years.
Berg was the first LPGA president and was one of six original LPGA Hall of Fame members.
Patty Berg’s Full Statement:
Dear Friends and Associates:
Once you read it, Im sure you can appreciate how difficult it is for me to write this letter.
Since its inception the LPGA has always been a mainstay in my life, one to which I have given much of my enthusiasm and devotion, and one from which I have derived both pride and fulfillment. Ive always considered myself fortunate to have been included in its ranks.
As much as I wish it werent so, I find myself in the early stages of Alzheimers disease, and, accordingly, am forced to curtail somewhat my participation in LPGA affairs. Ill still show up whenever I can, and if possible will attend functions to which I am asked to take part. Ill hold onto my LPGA membership, too, far as long as you all will have me.
Im certain you can appreciate how hard it is for a lifelong athlete, even one 86 years of age, to first face and then adapt to diminishing powers, both physical and mental. However, I have no other choice and as a result I ask your indulgence if at times Im not exactly the Patty Berg youve known all these years.
Above all, know I am very proud of the LPGA, proud of its ascendancy to a position of one of the worlds premier sports organizations. Above all, Im proud of all of you, and am grateful for and humbled by the regard and affection with which you have held me over the years.
Well continue to see each other, I promise.
God Bless.
Best wishes always,
Patty Berg
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