Margaret Abbott’s story is noteworthy, as she became the first American woman to win a golf event at the 1900 Summer Olympics. Learn more at chicagoka.com.
Early life
The girl was born in Calcutta, India. Her father, Charles, was a successful American merchant. Her mum, Mary, was a housewife. She often played golf. When Margaret was very young, her father passed away. Mary and her children had to return to Boston. Then, they moved to Chicago. To support the family, the mother became an editor at the Chicago Herald. Her daughter developed a love of golf from an early age, thanks to her brother, who often played mixed foursomes with her.
At the end of the 19th century, women from the upper classes were not allowed to do many sports. Doctors were afraid that physical exertion could harm their health. However, golf was available to them, as this game did not require great physical effort. Despite this, the men who ran the golf clubs did not allow women to join them.
From 1897, she began playing at the Charles Blair Macdonald Golf Club in Wheaton. This man was a friend of her mother, which influenced the possibility of her membership. Margaret’s height of 5 feet 11 inches allowed her to play well. Practicing every day, honing the basics of golf, the girl began to win local events. Her successes were described in regional newspapers. She became known throughout the district. It is worth noting that at that time, golf was one of the international sports, which was most often played by people of the upper and middle classes. This game was loved by both men and women. Membership in an exclusive golf club was a sign of status and prestige.
Paris debut
In 1899, Abbott travelled to Paris, where her mother was staying. There, she began researching a new literary project, A Woman’s Paris: A Handbook of Every-day Living in the French Capital, which was published in 1900. She began studying art with the painter Edgar Degas and the sculptor Auguste Rodin, as well as languages. While she was in Paris, the Summer Olympics were held, as well as the Paris Exposition from May to October. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the event, had planned it for men only. However, some women found a way to participate.
A golf tournament was being held at the Compiègne Golf Club, located about 30 miles from Paris. Margaret and her mother were able to take part in it. The competition consisted of 9 holes, the distances of which varied from 68 to 230 yards. Margaret showed a result of 47 strokes on 9 holes, ahead of her rivals. Mary scored 65 points. Americans Pauline Witter and Daria Pratt shared second and third place. Abbott was awarded an old porcelain cup decorated with gold, as medals were not yet given. Interestingly, the athlete believed that the tournament was connected with the Paris Exhibition. She did not even suspect that she was the first American woman Olympic champion.
The last years of life and memory
After the triumph, she remained in France for some time. In 1902, she won the Femina Cup. Then, she returned to New York with her husband, Finley Dunne. She continued to play golf at Shinnecock Hills. The legendary golfer died in 1955. In 2023, she was inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.
Perhaps, no one knew about this athlete until now, if not for the research of Paula Welch, a professor at the University of Florida. She specializes in the Olympic Games and sports history. The woman spent a decade studying Margaret Abbott’s life.