Laura Baugh, once known as golf’s “Golden Girl,” is a former professional golfer who made waves in the LPGA Tour during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite never winning an LPGA tournament, Baugh’s impact on the sport and her personal struggles have made her a notable figure in golf history.
In this article, you will know Laura Baugh’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Laura Baugh’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura Zonetta Baugh |
| Date of Birth | May 31, 1955 |
| Age | 69 |
| Education | Long Beach City College; California State University, Long Beach |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 4½ in (1.64 m) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 1973 |
| Net Worth | $1–5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Approximately $710,000 (tour winnings) |
| Spouse | Four marriages (currently single) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Laura Baugh’s journey began almost as soon as she could walk. Coached first by her Olympic-pentathlete father, Hale Baugh, she won the National PeeWee Golf Championship an unprecedented five times, starting at age three.
After her parents’ divorce forced a move from Florida to Long Beach, California, she quickly made her mark by winning back-to-back Los Angeles Women’s City Golf Championships at ages 14 and 15. In 1971, at just 16, she claimed the U.S. Women’s Amateur title, becoming the youngest champion in the event’s long history.
That victory, coupled with her confident swing and photogenic presence, earned Baugh major media attention. Awards like the Los Angeles Times Woman of the Year and Golf Digest’s Most Beautiful Golfer further solidified her status as golf’s “Golden Girl” before she even set foot on the professional circuit.
Professional Career
Baugh turned professional in 1973 and immediately signed with the International Management Group, opening the door to high-profile endorsements. She earned her LPGA Tour card on her first try, and in her very first event she finished second, securing Rookie of the Year honors.
Over the next 25 seasons, she amassed 71 top-10 finishes and ten runner-up results, though a win eluded her. Her career earnings on the LPGA Tour surpassed $700,000, but endorsement income often outpaced her prize money.
She worked as a television announcer for The Golf Channel, lent her name to golf schools and served as a teaching professional at prestigious clubs. In her later years, Baugh joined the Legends Tour and helped bring the U.S. Senior Women’s Open to life, playing in its inaugural 2018 event at Chicago Golf Club.
Spouse
She has been married 4 times, with her most notable marriage being to PGA Tour winner Bobby Cole. Baugh and Cole were married twice, first from 1980 to 1985, and then again from 1987 until their final separation. This relationship produced 7 children, including professional golfer Eric Cole, who has made a name for himself on the PGA Tour.
Laura Baugh’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Laura Baugh’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-5 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1973-2001 | Approximately $710,277 (LPGA Tour) |
| Endorsements | Estimated $300,000 per year (during peak) |
Endorsements
Baugh’s striking image and early success attracted major brands. She signed lucrative deals with Ford, Rolex, Suzuki, Wilson Golf, Colgate-Palmolive, Ladies Home Journal and Bermuda’s Tourist Bureau.
At her peak, her annual endorsement income reportedly reached $300,000—far more than most of her peers. These partnerships extended beyond traditional golf equipment, involving television commercials and magazine photo shoots that showcased her style as much as her swing.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| U.S. Women’s Amateur Titles | 1 (1971) |
| LPGA Tour Wins | 0 |
| LPGA Top-10 Finishes | 71 |
| Runner-Up Finishes | 10 |
| Best Major Finish | T-8, U.S. Women’s Open (1979) |
| Rookie of the Year | 1973 |
| LPGA Tour Playoff Record | 0–1 |
FAQs
1. What made Laura Baugh a standout amateur golfer?
Her father introduced her to golf at age two, and by three she was winning national pee-wee titles. At 16, she triumphed at the U.S. Women’s Amateur, becoming its youngest champion—a feat that combined power, precision and mental toughness to outlast seasoned competitors.
2. Why did Baugh never win an LPGA tournament despite many top finishes?
Despite 10 runner-up results and 71 top-10s, nerves and inconsistent putting held her back in final rounds. Personal struggles, including her battle with alcoholism, also affected her focus and performance under pressure during critical moments on tour.
3. How did her endorsement earnings compare with her tour winnings?
At the height of her fame, Baugh earned an estimated $300,000 a year from sponsors—more than triple her average annual prize money on the LPGA Tour. Brands valued her media appeal and championship pedigree, which translated into lucrative off-course income.
4. What roles has she taken on since retiring from the LPGA Tour?
Baugh worked as a Golf Channel announcer, ran her own golf school in Florida and became a teaching professional at Sawgrass Country Club. She also competed on the Legends Tour and helped launch the U.S. Senior Women’s Open.
5. How many children does Laura Baugh have and are any of them golfers?
Baugh has seven children with Bobby Cole. Her son Eric James Cole plays on the PGA Tour, continuing the family’s golfing legacy. The other children have largely stayed out of the public eye, pursuing diverse careers and interests.
