Betty Thye was one of Iowa’s great golf volunteers and supporters throughout her lifetime of service. In her letter nominating Thye for the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame, former Iowa Women’s Golf Association President Jill Blackwood wrote, “Every woman golfer in Iowa has benefited from her efforts and they will continue to benefit in the years ahead.”

Thye served on the Iowa Women’s Golf Association Board of Directors for 25 years beginning in the 1960s. During that time, she served as IWGA Vice-President from 1984-85 and President from 1985-1988. She was also the Chair of the Course Rating Committee (1970-77) and helped the USGA establish women’s course ratings throughout the state.

Thye was the director of the Iowa Wife-Husband Championship from 1978-1985 when it was held in Okoboji and was the largest tournament of its kind played on one golf course with more than 500 contestants.

Her service to the game of golf didn’t stop with the IWGA. As a member at Burlington Golf Club, she contributed her time and talents to help the junior golf program. She has mentored several generations of junior golfers on the Rules of Golf and the values of the game.

In a letter supporting Thye’s nomination Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Jock Olson said, “I first met Betty in 1976 when I became the head golf professional at Burlington Golf Club. Thirty-two years later, she is still one of the biggest promoters of the game that I have ever known. She is the greatest volunteer that I have ever known, as well as a very good player in her own right.”

Betty Thye was 99 years old when she passed away July 11, 2017.