By Bill Nichols

Patty Berg is from another era.  However, she has no regrets about being born too soon.

"I'm just glad to be alive," Berg said yesterdays just prior to giving a golf clinic at Bobick's Pro Shop at the Willoughby Golf Center.  She will be at Hawthorne Valley Country Club today at 2 p.m.

Berg is in the Ladies Professional Golf Association's Hall of Fame.  She is a founder of the LPGA.  And, truly a legend in the game of golf.

Berg is 65 years old.  When she won her first pro tournament, she was given a $100 War Bond.  Today, the LPGA tour is playing for $7 million in one year.

Berg, with red hair and Huckleberry Finn freckles, has the energy of a jet plane and the enthusiasm of a teenager.

She has overcome injuries from an automobile crash, a bout with cancer and surgery in which she was given a new hip.

"I'm just getting back to feeling well," she said.  "But, one of my challenges is to get back into tournaments.  It's a goal of mine."

Berg admits to being proud to be one of the founders of the LPGA and adds:

"The LPGA today is one of the greatest sports organizations in the world.  It's a group effort.  Each girl has done her part.  And, I'm thrilled at where the LPGA has gone.

"When I was playing in the 1930s, the men tournaments were for just $5,000 in purse money.

"The women have come so far.  There is junior golf, high school golf and college golf.  Girls can have nine years of competitive golf before they must decide on a career," she continued.  "They know if they want it."

"I'd have to say the players are better, too.  There are more of them, too.  They are better athletes, they use videotapes and films and the equipment is so much more advanced.  Everyone knows so much more about the golf swing today."

Berg, Babe Zaharias and her husband, George, and Fred Corcoran formed the LPGA in January 1948.  Wilson Sporting Goods provided funds to run the organization for six years.  Berg has represented Wilson 43 years and gives clinics in its behalf.

"Golf has been wonderful to me," she said.  "In return, I like to do something for it.  If I can help somebody play a little bit better, it will make me happy."

Berg is listed as an ambassador for golf.  The game could not be better represented.