Services for Shirley Spork, one of the LPGA founding members who died earlier this month in her Palm Desert home, will be held over two days in May.
Spork, who died April 12 at 94, was one of the 13 original founders of the LPGA in 1950. While other founders went on to greater success as players, Spork turned her attention to teaching and became a driving force behind the founding of the LPGA Teaching and Club Pro division. She was a presence in the desert since 1953, when she took her first teaching job at Tamarisk Country Club in Rancho Mirage.
“Precious few are true pioneers in their passion, but Shirley Spork was twice trailblazer in the sport she loved – golf,” the LPGA said in a statement confirming Spork’s passing. “In 1950, she was one of 13 Founders of the LPGA. A decade later, Spork almost singlehandedly created the LPGA Teaching & Club Pro Division.”
Visitation for Spork will be May 15th from 5 to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 6 p.m. at Wiefels Chapel, 690 S. Vella Road, Palm Springs. A funeral mass will be held at 9 a.m. on May 16 at Sacred Heart Church, 43775 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert.
A commitment ceremony will follow at 11 a.m. at Desert Memorial Park, 31705 Da Vall Drive, Cathedral City.