LSU’s Bahnsen to be inducted into Hall of Fame

• Published: Nov 19, 2008 - UPDATED: 7:15 a.m.

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Karen Bahnsen — in her 25th year as the LSU women’s golf coach — will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Golf Coaches Association.

Bahnsen, the 42nd member of the coaches’ Hall of Fame, will be inducted in ceremonies Dec. 10 at the group’s annual

Bahnsen has been a part of the LSU program’s entire 30-year history, beginning as the first recruit when it started in 1979.

During her coaching career, her LSU teams have won 29 team titles and had players win 29 individual titles. Her teams have appeared in nine NCAA Championships, eight as a coach with five top 10 finishes. LSU recorded a fifth place finish in 1998.

“I am honored to have been selected for the National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame and to join such a great list of coaches who have already been inducted,” Bahnsen said in a university news release.

“Throughout my coaching career it has always been about the accomplishments and personal growth of my players that motivates me. I still love collegiate golf very much and it is working with such great young people that keep me excited and looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“I want to thank LSU for the opportunities they have given me, the Hall of Fame committee and all those former players who helped me earn this prestigious honor.”

Bahnsen, the dean of Southeastern Conference coaches in tenure, has coached 15 NGCA All-Americans, including two winners of the Dinah Shore Trophy Award (Lisette Lee and Meredith Duncan), and 33 All-SEC selections.

She has had 68 players earn Academic All-Southeastern Conference honors and 21 more who were NGCA Scholar-Athletes.

Among the players Bahnsen coached were Jenny Lidback, the No. 1 player in the country in 1986. Lidback won six individual titles and the Lady Tigers five tournaments that season.

Other former Lady Tigers competing in the LPGA are Jackie Gallagher-Smith, Kristi Coats and Meredith Duncan.