“It was unlike any other tournament in women’s golf with the media attention, the size of the crowds, the atmosphere and my winning check was greater than the total purse of many LPGA tournaments,” remembers Jane Blalock, who won the first ANA in 1972.

History hangs heavy over the ANA Inspiration, caressing this LPGA Tour major like the warm wind off the California desert. The tireless promotion of Dinah Shore, visionary sponsorship of David Foster and familiar challenges of Mission Hills are all part of a 50-year legacy that make this golden anniversary in the Golden State truly special.

The list of multiple champions is an honor roll of women’s golf. Amy Alcott, who introduced the leap into Poppie’s Pond in 1988, Betsy King and Annika Sorenstam are three-time winners. Juli Inkster, Dottie Pepper, Karrie Webb and Brittany Lincicome won twice. Sandra Post won in 1978 and ’79, before the ANA became a major in 1983, as she and Sorenstam in 2001-02 are the only winners in consecutive years.

You can read the full article at the LPGA’s site.