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Meet the Member: Marci Bozarth, PGA
Marci Bozarth, PGA – Young Spectator to Hall of Famer
Marci Bozarth, PGA, took up the sport of golf around the age of 10, inspired to do so by her father and older brother, who both played. She found it advantageous to learn the intricacies of the game and understand the rules through observation of these family members.
“My life has been all about golf, ever since the get-go. We had a 9-hole golf course, and I would go and hang out with my dad and brother. I was pretty fortunate to be able to watch them play as they were both good golfers.”
Growing up, Marci didn’t take many lessons but gained experience and skills playing golf and basketball during her high school years. Marci would start her high school career playing on the men’s golf team where they won two state championships before starting the first-ever women's golf team at her school. She then went on to lead the women's golf team to qualifying for the State Championship her senior year.
Her exceptional performance in high school golf earned her a scholarship to Texas Christian University (TCU), where she excelled further. In 1982 and 1983, she was recognized as an AIAW All-American and NCAA All-American. During her senior year, her team clinched the NCAA Championship. In 1998, Marci was inducted into the TCU Hall of Fame, becoming the first woman ever inducted into the TCU Hall of Fame. In the fall of 2023, her team made history as the first women’s team to be inducted into the TCU Hall of Fame.
“It had always been a dream of mine to play professionally, and I had a tournament my sophomore year where my scores got lower and lower each round. That was the moment for me when I realized that it was obtainable, and I have a chance to go and play as a pro.”
While a sophomore in college, Marci decided to pursue a professional career in golf. After earning a BBA in General Business, she continued to play amateur golf. Her first attempt at Q-School was unsuccessful, but she persevered and played on the Futures Tour (now the Epson Tour). Her determination paid off in her second attempt when she gained her card and began playing full-time on the LPGA Tour in 1984.
Marci’s professional career on the LPGA Tour spanned a decade, concluding at the end of 1994. Her best finish was third place at the Women’s Kemper Open in Hawaii. Despite initial struggles, her perseverance and dedication were acknowledged when she was nominated for LPGA’s Professional of the Year. In 2014, she was inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame.
“After I retired, I was always interested in teaching and had taught a little bit before, but it wasn’t until I was at BraeBurn Country Club where I started to work towards gaining my PGA of America Membership.”
Transitioning into a teaching career, Marci has worked in various environments, finding her niche in private or member-owned facilities. Marci had the opportunity to work as an Assistant Professional, with which she discovered that this was the best role for her. She values the opportunity to build relationships with members and appreciates the additional responsibilities that come with being an Assistant Professional.
“I just wanted to have the ability to interact with more people than just the student I was giving a lesson to. I also wanted to be involved in tournaments and I love being able to wear the multiple hats along with growing relationships with our Members.”
Her journey from a young observer of the sport to a respected PGA of America Member and mentor in the golfing community is a testament to her passion and commitment to the game.
