Michelle mcgann story

Michelle’s Story

The first time I stepped foot onto a golf course I was only 7 years old. I can still distinctly remember the smell of the fresh cut grass, the feeling of having special “alone” time with my Dad and how powerful I could feel when a perfect swing, stance and concentration made the ball soar in the air. It’s my love of the game that has kept me playing one of the most strategic and challenging sports even when faced with adversity at age 13. It was then I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. But through diet, monitoring and proper medications, my diabetes has proved to be just another challenge in the game.

The sport has kept me traveling as a 3-time Florida State Junior Champion, the 1987 USGA Junior Girls Champion, AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year, 1987 Rolex Junior First-Team All-American, and the 1988 Doherty Cup Championship. I was very flattered when GOLF Magazine and GOLF Digest even named me Amateur of the Year in 1987. At age 18 after graduating from an all girls’ prep school, Rosarian Academy, in West Palm Beach with honors, I made the monumental decision to skip college and give the LPGA tour a go. Fortunately, I went to qualifying school and I earned a spot on the tour on my first attempt!

Michelle mcgann addressing ball

Since joining the LPGA Tour I have won 8 professional tournaments, and participated in two (2) Solheim Cups. I have been fortunate to play golf with Presidents, captains of industry, and some of the greatest sportsmen and women in history.

But my personal joy comes from meeting new people who love the game of golf like I do. Its history and tradition, combined with its challenging nature, make it something from which I never tire. Whether it is playing golf with 8 year old future pros or 100 year old beginners, it seems that every one of them loves the opportunity to be outside, competing in a game with old or new friends and/or family.

2024 is my 35th year on the LPGA and Legends Tours, and it’s been a wonderful experience. My travels around the world have left me with so many amazing friends. I can’t begin to tell you how many fans, LPGA and Legends Tour officials, tournament sponsors, host families, and past and present players have made such a positive impact on my life.

As always, thank you for your support. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Michelle signature

Career Resumé

Wins, Awards, Honors

LPGA Victories (7): 1995 Sara Lee Classic, Youngstown-Warren LPGA Classic. 1996 Oldsmobile Classic, Youngstown-Warren LPGA Classic, State Farm Rail Classic. 1997 HEALTHSOUTH Inaugural, ShopRite LPGA Classic.

The Solheim Cup (1): 1996.

Professional Career Highlights

In 2005, carded the third hole-in-one of her LPGA career during the second round of the Franklin American Mortgage Championship benefiting the Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

In 2004, posted season-low 68s during the third round of the Welch’s/Fry’s Championship and second round of the Asahi Ryokuken International Championship at Mount Vintage.

McGann’s 4-0 playoff record is tied with Se Ri Pak’s as the best in LPGA history.

In 2003, best finish was a tie for 27th at the State Farm Classic.

In 2002, best finish was a tie for ninth at the McDonald’s LPGA Championship Presented by AIG; recorded the second hole-in-one of her LPGA career during the first round of the Jamie Farr Kroger Classic Presented by ALLTEL.

In 2001, best finish was second at the Welch’s/Circle K Championship, where she crossed the $3 million mark in career earnings.

In 2000, recorded a season-best tie for third at the Electrolux USA Championship Hosted by Vince Gill and Amy Grant, where she carded her first LPGA career hole-in-one during the third round; led the Tour in eagles with 14.

In 1999, best finish was fourth place at the Sara Lee Classic, where she fired her career-low round of 63 during the first round.

In 1998, best finish was a tie for third at The Office Depot.

In 1997, captured two tournament titles: the HEALTHSOUTH Inaugural, where she defeated Karrie Webb on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff and crossed the $2 million mark in career earnings; and the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

In 1996, won the Oldsmobile Classic and State Farm Rail Classic in sudden-death playoffs; successfully defended her title at the Youngstown-Warren LPGA Classic; was a member of the victorious U.S. Solheim Cup Team.

In 1995, became a Rolex First-Time Winner at the Sara Lee Classic; won her second tournament at the Youngstown-Warren LPGA Classic by defeating Katie Peterson-Parker (Haley) on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff; also won the Takara World Invitational on the LPGA of Japan Tour.

In 1994, totaled seven top-10 finishes, including second place at the du Maurier Ltd. Classic.

In 1993, totaled nine top-10 finishes, including a tie for second at the World Championship of Women’s Golf.

In 1992, tied for fourth at the Itoki Hawaiian Ladies Open, Crestar-Farm Fresh Classic and Rail Charity Golf Classic.

In 1993, totaled nine top-10 finishes, including a tie for second at the World Championship of Women’s Golf.

In 1992, tied for fourth at the Itoki Hawaiian Ladies Open, Crestar-Farm Fresh Classic and Rail Charity Golf Classic.

In 1991, best finish was a tie for fourth at the McDonald’s Championship.

In 1990, best finish was a tie for seventh at the Rail Charity Golf Classic.

In 1989, best finish was a tie for 19th at the Women’s Kemper Open.

In 1988, qualified for the Tour by tying for 20th at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament to earn exempt status for the 1989 season.

Amateur Highlights

McGann is a three-time Florida State Junior champion. She won the 1987 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and was named American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Rolex Junior Player of the Year. Also in 1987, she was named a Rolex Junior First-Team All-American and was ranked as the nation’s top amateur by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest. In 1988, McGann captured the 1988 Doherty Cup Championship title and played in the U.S. Women’s Open and Boston Five Classic as an amateur.

Michelle with caddie
Michelle swing kids