It took Toni Wiesner 12 tries before winning her first WTGA State Amateur Championship in 1985. She would add four more titles by 2003. Her five championships are the third most in the history of the event. Only Edna Lapham (7) and Mary Ann Morrison (9) have won more. Toni’s accomplishments on the golf course are among the most impressive of any golfer of any era. Outside of Texas, her titles include the Women’s Southern Championship, Mexican Amateur, Broadmoor Invitational, Doherty Cup and International Four-Ball. She was a perennial USGA championship contender, and finalist for more than 30 years. In addition, she was one of the founding members of LAGA in 1989 and inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2010.

Toni was as celebrated for her attitude, wisdom and sportsmanship as she was for her championship titles. As collegiate players continued to excel and their participation in amateur competitive events grew, Wiesner was asked how she felt about competing against younger players. She said, “Golf is a lifetime in which age doesn’t matter.” On the way to her first State Amateur title in 1985, Toni said, “I like to think of myself as my opponent. If I don’t get the job done, I can’t blame anyone else but myself.” Toni gave back to golf through service on the USGA Junior Girls Committee and as a mentor, encourager and role model for countless women in Texas.

Toni passed away in 2009 leaving a legacy of class, character and a fierce competitive spirit. The Women’s Texas Golf Association provides two junior golf programs in her honor. The Wiesner’s Winners program identifies outstanding participants in selected LPGA / USGA Girls Golf sites across Texas. The Toni Wiesner Cup is awarded to the winning team at the annual Texas Challenge, a statewide competition for participants in these Girls Golf Sites. The world of golf and the world in general all benefit when young girls are introduced to the game Toni loved and are shown how to be true champions.

Born: 1947

Died: July 28, 2009