
Donna Caponi - Part 1 (The Early Years and 1969 U.S. Women's Open)
09/30/24 • 38 min
World Golf Hall of Fame member Donna Caponi grew up in Southern California and learned the game from her father, a club professional at DeBell Golf Club where Donna received her first set of new clubs at age 8. She developed her game quickly and knew, by age 15, that she wanted to be a professional golfer. With no high school team to compete on and no plan to attend college, Donna turned pro at age 19 in 1965. She reminisces with Bruce about life on the road back in the 60's running with the likes of Marlene Hagge, Susie Berning and her early tour roommate, Judy Rankin. We conclude this episode with Donna recounting her first win on the LPGA Tour, the 1969 U.S. Women's Open, and her memories of Kathy Whitworth. Donna Caponi begins her life story, "FORE the Good of the Game."
Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.
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About
"FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.”
Thanks so much for listening!
World Golf Hall of Fame member Donna Caponi grew up in Southern California and learned the game from her father, a club professional at DeBell Golf Club where Donna received her first set of new clubs at age 8. She developed her game quickly and knew, by age 15, that she wanted to be a professional golfer. With no high school team to compete on and no plan to attend college, Donna turned pro at age 19 in 1965. She reminisces with Bruce about life on the road back in the 60's running with the likes of Marlene Hagge, Susie Berning and her early tour roommate, Judy Rankin. We conclude this episode with Donna recounting her first win on the LPGA Tour, the 1969 U.S. Women's Open, and her memories of Kathy Whitworth. Donna Caponi begins her life story, "FORE the Good of the Game."
Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.
Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:
Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/
Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853
Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d
Google Podcasts https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzM3Mjc1LnJzcw
About
"FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.”
Thanks so much for listening!
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Nathaniel Crosby - U.S. Walker Cup Captain
Hear tales from the Crosby "Clambake" featuring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dean Martin (Bruce's long-time partner) and many others. Listen as Nathaniel recalls negotiating with Deane Beman as a teenager, his amateur golf successes, participating in the Masters and Open Championships, playing with Seve on the European Tour and the wonderful history of Hoylake. The Captain of the 2019 winning U.S. squad and this year's U.S. Walker Cup team Captain tells his story, "FORE the Good of the Game."
Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.
Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:
Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/
Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853
Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d
Google Podcasts https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzM3Mjc1LnJzcw
About
"FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.”
Thanks so much for listening!
Next Episode

Donna Caponi - Part 2 (The 1970 Women's U.S. Open and 1979 LPGA Championship)
Four-time major championship winner and member of the WGHOF, Donna Caponi looks back on her early LPGA Tour wins and two of her majors, the 1970 Women's U.S. Open and the 1979 LPGA Championship. In between these two majors, Donna had 12 other victories including overseas wins at the 1975 Colgate European Open at Sunningdale, the 1976 Wills Qantas Australian Ladies Open at Victoria GC and that same year, the Japan Mizuno Classic. As she approached the 1980's, she was poised to finish her career with a flourish. Donna Caponi continues her life story, "FORE the Good of the Game."
Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.
Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:
Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/
Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853
Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d
Google Podcasts https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzM3Mjc1LnJzcw
About
"FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.”
Thanks so much for listening!
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