Mary Knutsen

In the 1960’s it was unheard of for women to be participating in men’s athletics, but Mary Knutsen defied all stereotypes of that era. Not only did she compete with young men, she beat them on the grassy knolls of golf courses around the Northwest. Mary was a member of the Astoria High School Boy’s Golf Team from 1958-1962, earning three varsity letters. Those letters admitted her to the “A Club” in which she was the only female member. Mary also qualified for the State High School Golf Tournament in 1962 with her teammates and was also voted “Most Athletic” by her senior class.

Diminutive in stature, the native Astorian began golfing at a young age and developed the patience, skill and dedication necessary to excel at golf. Mary participated in the USGA Junior Golf Championship in 1961, reaching the round of 16. She was named one of the top 20 Junior Golfers in the United States by U.S. Golfer Magazine in 1962, while also earning Club Championships at Astoria Golf and Country Club in 1960, 1961 and 1964. While attending Astoria High, Mary also had time to be a student librarian, participate in G.A.A. (Girl’s Athletic Association), Student Council, The Astor Post, Quill and Scroll, French Club and was elected Valentine Princess her Senior Year.

Golf has definitely been an important aspect of Mary’s life since high school. She attended the University of Oregon and has spent her lifetime golfing. She has won several Club Championships, the local Oregon Coast Invitational Tournament three times in the early 1970’s, participated in the Eugene LPGA Golf Tournament in 1963 and tied for 31st in the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in 1996. She has also had victories in a variety of tournaments in Oregon, Washington and California. Mary has also been a golf coach, served on numerous golf committees and as an official at NCAA and USGA events.