Sheehan turned professional and joined the LPGA Tour in 1980 . She won LPGA Rookie of the Year honors in 1981 with her first professional victory coming at the Mazda Japan Classic . She was strong throughout the 1980s , winning four times in both 1983 and 1984 , and winning the LPGA Championship in both seasons . She won LPGA Tour Player of the Year in 1983 and was one of several athletes named '' Sports Illustrated '' Sportsman of the Year in 1987 . Sheehan suffered a loss personally in 1989 , when her home and possessions were destroyed in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake . She also suffered a professional loss in 1990 , when after holding an 11-shot lead during the third round of the U.S. Women 's Open , she lost the tournament to Betsy King
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
Patty Sheehan