Beverly Lewis (golfer)

Lewis was born in Essex, England, in 1947.^[1] She took up golf at the age of 18, learning the game on a local pitch and putt course.^[3][5] Within four years, she became the Essex Ladies Amateur Champion and joined Thorndon Park Golf Club, where she remained a lifelong member.^[3]

Lewis turned professional in 1978 and became a founder member of the Women's PGA, later the LET.^[3][5] She chaired the Women's PGA between 1979 and 1981, and again in 1986.^[3][4] She played on the WPGA tour for eight years, winning two tournaments.^[3][4] In 1982, she became one of the first women to attain PGA membership and was one of just two women to achieve PGA Master Professional status.^[3][4]

After her playing career, Lewis focused on coaching, working with the English Ladies’ Golf Association, county teams, and players of all abilities.^[3] She served as a PGA Professional at several Essex clubs, including JJB Golf Centre (Romford), Langdon Hills Golf Club (Bulphan), Garon Park Golf Complex (Southend-on-Sea), and Brentwood Park Golf Club (Brentwood).^[3] She was also a lecturer and a qualified R&A referee.^[5]

Lewis was a regular contributor to Golf World magazine in the UK and served as the only woman on their teaching panel for six years.^[4] She authored or co-authored at least ten books on golf, including instructional series and Improve Your Golf.^[4] She also worked as a broadcaster, providing commentary for the BBC, Channel 7 (Australia), and ESPN.^[3][5]

In 2005, Lewis became the first female captain in the 104-year history of the PGA (UK),^[1] representing the Association at major golf events including The Open and the US Masters.^[5][3]

The Beverly Lewis Trophy, awarded to the foremost female PGA Assistant of the Year, is named in her honour.^[3]

Lewis was married to Ken Lewis, an artist and collaborator on her published works.^[3] Her interests included music and playing the organ.^[4] She died in 2019 at the age of 71 from leukaemia.^[3]