Gail Purdy Brophy named to New York State Golf Association Hall of Fame

GLENS FALLS — Gail Purdy Brophy, probably the most outstanding female athlete in the history of Glens Falls sports, has been posthumously elected to the New York Golf Association’s Hall of Fame.

Brophy, who died in 2020 at 77, and who had starred as a junior at the Glens Falls Country Club, is one of seven honorees to be inducted Nov. 6 at Wolferts Roost Country Club in Albany.

In announcing her selection, the NYSGA Hall of Fame committee pointed to her two state women’s amateur titles — in 1961 and 1963. Also cited were her top 40 finishes in the U.S. Women’s Open in both 1960 and 1961.

Brophy gave up competitive golf for four decades while running a family business in Saratoga Springs, but when she resumed tournament play as a senior, she picked up right where she left off, winning the state Women’s Super Senior Amateur Championship in 2007 and 2008. She was also a runner-up several times.

In Glens Falls, she had been mentored by her dad, George Purdy, an accomplished player himself. Personally unassuming, Brophy practiced relentlessly at a young age and finished as a 10-time Glens Falls Country Club women’s champion. And she held her own in a 1962 exhibition with four-time U.S. Open winner Betsy Rawls at the local club.

Meanwhile, she somehow found time to excel as a speedskater as well. She won more than 100 events, including seven U.S. Open and North American Short Track championships. She twice narrowly missed gaining spots on U.S. Olympic skating teams.

The state Golf Association website notes that she was a “generous supporter of junior and women’s golf.”

Brophy and the other honorees were selected by a statewide panel of seven electors, including Wilton native, CBS golf commentator and former touring pro Dottie Pepper.

In a statement to The Post-Star, Brophy’s daughter, Kristen Greczkowski said, “My mom was fierce, passionate, kind, loving, hardworking, and incredibly loyal. Her strength and determination were evident throughout her life, leading to her success in both sports and business. She was a talented golfer and speedskater who excelled in everything she pursued. Most importantly, she was an incredible mom who always put her children first and never missed a moment. Her love, support, and unwavering presence shaped our lives, and she is deeply missed.”