Mrs Ken Venturi

By Mary Alice Carhart

This story originally appeared in 1960 in The Ledger-Star of Norfolk, Virginia.

Few couples have had a storybook romance to equal that of Ken and Connie Venturi.

The young golf pro, second place money-winner, and his striking wife were in Norfolk this weekend where he played two exhibition matches for charity.

"I saw Ken play golf when I was 16 and he was 19. He was playing in the state tournament at Pebble Beach. I followed him for four days.

"After he won the tournament I went up and introduced myself."

From then on Connie MacLean of Napa, Calif., maintained a scapbook on him.

Three years later she changed colleges at the last minute, electing San Jose State "because Ken Venturi was going there."

Needless to say he had long since forgotten his young fan.

When Connie made known her desire to meet him at college she was quickly rebuffed.

"He's a senior - you're a sophomore and besides he's too involved in golf," cautioned several upperclassment.

Then as it the tables had been suddenly turned the good looking athlete sought her out.

"He came up to me in the cafeteria pretending to be a freshman.

" 'Excuse me,' " he said, " 'I'm pledging a fraternity and I would like to know your name, hometown, measurements, etc.' "

By July of that next year Connie was following Ken's tournaments consistently, this time as his wife.

"Ken says he remembers meeting me that first time but I really don't think he does."

Young Matthew and Timothy Venturi "kind of take it for granted their daddy plays golf" but have no idea how well, their mother reported.

A speech and drama major, Mrs. Venturi performs with a local theater group in San Francisco. Water-skiing is another hobby. She is also called on to model in neighborhood style shows and will soon, like Ken, model professionally for a sportswear firm.

Occasionally she joins her jusband and another couple for a round of golf.

"We won the last game because I had a big fat handicap - 36!"

When asked her opinion of the typical female golf pro she replied, "I can't imagine being one. So many of them are frustrated golfers."

As for the frequent traveling with her husband, "I love it because I never get in a rut."

"Eventually in six to eight years our dream is for Ken to be able to pick his tournaments and to retire to his golf club in Palo Alto.

"That way he can enjoy his home and his family."