Introduction
Patrice M. "Patti" Rizzo (born June 19, 1960) is an American professional golfer and golf instructor.
Amateur career
Rizzo was born in Hollywood, Florida. A collegiate All-American at the University of Miami, among her significant victories as an amateur were the Eastern Women's Amateur and Mexican Amateur in 1980, a year when she was also runner-up to Juli Inkster at the U.S. Women's Amateur. Her performance in the 1980 season resulted in Golf Digest ranking her the No.1 female amateur in the U.S. The following year her wins included the North and South Women's Amateur at Pinehurst and she earned medalist honors at the 1981 U.S. Women's Amateur. Golf Magazine ranked her the No. 1 collegiate player for 1981.
Professional career
In 1982, Rizzo joined the LPGA Tour where she earned Rookie of the Year honors. She played on the Tour regularly for 10 years during which time she won four tournaments.
Growing disenchanted with pro golf, Rizzo quit the LPGA in 1991. After not playing any golf at all for several months, Rizzo accepted an invitation to play in a LPGA of Japan Tour event. Rizzo won it and soon afterwards accepted a one-year exemption to play the LPGA of Japan Tour. Rizzo won three tournaments in Japan in 1992, bringing her total victories there to nine.
Rizzo was the head coach of the Barry University women's golf program from 2004 until 2010 when she became coach at the University of Miami.
Amateur wins
- 1980 World Amateur, Trans-National, Eastern Amateur, Mexican Amateur
- 1981 North and South Women's Amateur, South Atlantic Harder Hall Invitational
Professional wins
LPGA Tour (4)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning Score | Margin of Victory | Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 7, 1983 | Boston Five Classic | −11 (66-70-73-68=277) | 2 strokes |  Jane Lock |
| 2 | May 26, 1985 | LPGA Corning Classic | −16 (69-68-64-71=272) | 1 stroke | Jane Crafter |
| 3 | May 1, 1988 | Sara Lee Classic | −9 (70-70-67=207) | Playoff |  Tammie Green Sherri Turner Kim Williams |
| 4 | Apr 9, 1989 | Red Robin Kyocera Inamori Classic | −7 (73-67-68-69=277) | 2 strokes | Martha Nause |
LPGA Tour playoff record (1–0)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1988 | Sara Lee Classic | Tammie Green Sherri Turner Kim Williams | Won with birdie on fifth extra hole Green and Williams eliminated with par on first hole |
LPGA of Japan Tour (9)
- 1985 (1) Daioh Seishi Elleair Ladies
- 1986 (1) Takara Invitational
- 1988 (2) Takara Invitational, Daioh Seishi Elleair Ladies
- 1989 (1) Daikin Orchid Ladies
- 1991 (1) Tokai Classic
- 1992 (3) Nasuogawa Ladies, Takara Invitational, Fujitsu Ladies
Other (2)
- 1985 (1) Sun City International
- 1989 (1) Mazda Champions (with Mike Hill)
Team appearances
Amateur
- Espirito Santo Trophy (representing the United States): 1980 (winners)