Trish Johnson, a Solheim Cup star and a leading light on the Ladies European Tour for over 20 years, has been appointed MBE in the King’s Honours List for her services to women’s golf.
Johnson, 59, who still competes on the LPGA Tour’s senior circuit, while combing her duties as a TV and radio commentator, said: “I’m over the moon to receive such a prestigious honour, just for being lucky enough to play the game I love! My only regret is that my mum and dad are not here to see it, but I know they’ll be looking down with a huge smile on their faces, proud as punch!!”
Born in Bristol in 1966, Johnson has enjoyed huge success at all levels of the game. She was South Western Champion as an amateur in 1983 and 1984. She was also both England U23 and U21 champion in 1984, and in 1985, she won the English Women’s Amateur Championship, the English Women’s Stroke Play Championship, and the England U23 title once again.
In 1986, she represented GB&I in the Espirito Santo Trophy, World Amateur Golf Team Championships and the Curtis Cup, the latter where she won maximum points.
Johnson turned pro in 1987 and won three tournaments in her first year on the Ladies European Tour, being named Rookie of the Year. She won four events in 1990 and the LET’s Order of Merit, before going on to win an overall 19 tournaments.
Johnson finished in the top 10 of the Order of Merit 13 times, including runner-up placings in 2000 and 2004, winning the BMW Ladies Italian Open in 2007. She also has three wins on the LPGA Tour, including the Las Vegas LPGA in 1993.
A member of the European Solheim Cup team on eight occasions from 1990 through to 2007, she also teamed up with Laura Davies to represent England at the 2007 Women’s World Cup of Golf.
In her senior career, Johnson has won six events on the Legends Tour, including three senior women’s major golf championships – the 2017 and 2021 Senior LPGA Championship, and the 2023 US Senior Women’s Open.