21-time Amateur golf champion Katie Falk gives back
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Soon to be 75 years old, Katie Falk has given about as much to the game of golf as it's given her.
"The life lessons you learn in the game of golf are extraordinary. And the people you meet along the way are terrific," said Katie Falk, an amateur golfer and partner at real estate firm Falk Ruvin Gallagher Real Estate.
Falk has been playing since she was 10. She has 21 Amateur championships. You'd think it would hard to pick a favorite, but there are two that stick out. One being the Women's Western Amateur where she beat three-time winner on the LPGA Tour, Nancy Lopez.
"Well it’s the oldest female tournament in the country," said Falk. "In 1973, I was fortunate enough to have a very good day and beat Nancy Lopez."
A few years later, Falk found success against another future pro in Debbie Massey.
"I was five down at the turn and won on the 19th hole and had one of the best rounds I've ever had," said Falk.
Falk was inducted in the Wisconsin State Golf Hall of Fame in 1993 on her home course in Fond du Lac. In the last 25 years, she has tried to give back with First Tee Wisconsin, helping future golfers in the state.
"The purpose of First Tee is to build character through making the game of golf fun," said Falk.
Helping the future generation is something that drives her just as much as competition.
"We wouldn't be, any of us, be where we are if it weren't for the wonderful mentors. People, family, friends that went before us and helped us get to where we are," said Falk. "And my goal is to do the same for those who are coming behind us."