Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Inductees  

Betty Richart

Betty Richart was raised on a golf course and learned to play at a young age. She played on the High School Boy’s Golf Team for four years, noting that was not unusual in 1938. Betty played in several Open events where Patty Berg, Babe Zaharias and Louise Suggs were the featured players. She’s won regional, city, and club championships in 6 different states.

She has been involved in nearly every aspect of golf and is a leader in women’s golf, junior golf, and course rating. She served on the USGA Women’s Committee for 17 years and the last two as chairman. The US Women’s Open came to Indianwood G&CC in 1989 during her chairmanship. It was one of the most successful and well-attended Women’s Open in the history of the Championship. A highlight of her volunteer career in golf was in 1998 when the US Women’s Amateur Championship came to her home club, Barton Hills, in Ann Arbor.

In 1992, She received the GAM Distinguished Service Award.

In 1997, she received the Michigan Spirit of Golf Award. JP McCarthy was the first recipient.

In 1999, she received the Issac B. Grainger Award for 25 years of Outstanding Service to the USGA. This year’s award went to Byron Nelson.

In 1999, she became an Honorary Governor of the GAM

In 2001, she received the Jean McGregor Dodds Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s District Golf Assoc.

Betty has been involved in many aspects of community service. The Ann Arbor YMCA was at a crossroad and helped by Betty’s efforts, it is now a vibrant organization in the community. She has served on the Boards of the Washtenaw United Way, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and was a bank director for 14 years. Betty has made many important contributions to her community. She will leave a legacy well beyond her lifetime for she believes in bringing others into leadership roles.