As a teenager Rhonda Watson decided achieving her best at “something” would be a major drive. Trying several sports including netball, table tennis and tennis, golf became her love.
Rhonda Watson was the first female to earn a scratch handicap in South Australia, and she was the first inductee into the South Australian Golf Industry Hall of Fame in 2011.
These feats reflect truly the sheer skill and dominance of this female golfer.
As a young teenager she decided achieving her best at “something” would be one of her major ambitions. She tried several sports including netball, table tennis and tennis, but it was golf that caught her attention.
She began at the Kensington Park Club, but in 1948 joined Glenelg as a junior, to be coached for many years by the legendary Murray Crafter.
She was an early riser, once saying, “The most pleasant time to play golf is just as the sun rises and then complete a round in two hours”.
She became SA’s leading player throughout the 50s and 60s. Over a 17-year period from 1952 to 1968 Watson won 12 State Amateur titles, including six consecutive titles.
The 12 championship wins set a new Australian record.
In doing so, she equaled Lady Britten-Jones’ record of 10 state titles, drawing personal congratulations from Britten-Jones herself, which she said was one of her proudest golfing achievements.
Watson represented SA for many years and in 1956 represented Australia for the first time in the Tasman Cup in New Zealand – noting later that the month-long tour, was a maturing life experience, increasing her knowledge of people and golf.
Again, she was selected for Australia in 1962 and 1966. Clearly considered a leader, in 1970 she was appointed non-playing Captain of Australia.
Adding to her leadership credentials was the fact that Watson also served as President of the SA Ladies Golf Union for three years.
Rhonda was awarded the following:
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