By: Fred Altvater
“Miss Peggy was the female Arnold Palmer”……Jim Dodson
It was announced that Ohio native, Peggy Kirk Bell will be enshrined into the World Golf Hall of Fame in June, preceding the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
Most of today’s golfers are not familiar with the name Peggy Kirk Bell, but to the women’s game and to the game of golf in general, she ranks with Arnold Palmer, Bobby Jones and Sam Snead.
James Walker Tufts is recognized as the founder of Pinehurst and the man responsible for bringing Donald Ross to the area, but just down the road in Southern Pines, Peggy Kirk Bell and her husband Warren, a former NBA star, turned Pine Needles into one of the most popular stops in the greater Pinehurst area. In 1953, they added Mid-Pines to their domain and both properties are still owned and operated by members of the Bell family today. 
Like Arnold Palmer at Bay Hill, golf fans would travel to the Pinehurst resorts, just to meet Miss Peggy.
In 1921, she was born Margaret Anne Kirk in Findlay, Ohio. Even though young women were not encouraged to pursue athletics, she was an exceptional athlete. She did not take up golf until she was 17-years-old, but compiled one of the best amateur records of all time.
She attended Rollins University in Winter Park, Florida and her golf game continued to improve. She won the Ohio State Championship three consecutive years in 1947, 1948, and 1949. Later in 1949, she won the Titleholders Championship, at the time a major championship for women. She also won the prestigious North and South Amateur Championship and was a member of the 1950 Curtis Cup team. Other important victories included, wins at the Eastern Amateur and the Augusta Titleholders.
Jim Dodson, one of the foremost writers on golf in America, called Mrs. Bell, the female Arnold Palmer for her impact both as a competitor and teacher.
Palmer once commented about Mrs. Bell,
“Peggy is a tribute to the game of golf. She has tirelessly given of herself to the game and her contributions have helped make it great.”
After an exceptional playing career, Peggy Kirk Bell became one of the most recognized teachers in the country, had the foresight to help start the LPGA, ran the family’s resort and raised three children along the way. She was outspoken, gracious and sought out by her guests.
She led a full life and yielded a tremendous influence on the game of golf in the United States.
Peggy Kirk Bell was a leader in the game of golf, her induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame is applauded, but long overdue.
