The world of women’s golf has lost a legend. Nancy Kroll, a champion on the course and a beloved educator off it, passed away at 62 after a courageous 17-month battle with cancer. Her story is one of resilience, record-breaking achievements, and a deep love for the game that inspired countless others. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: Kroll’s journey wasn’t just about winning titles—it was about breaking barriers, mentoring others, and keeping the spirit of golf alive for future generations.
A longtime member of Pinehaven Country Club, Kroll was surrounded by a tight-knit community of friends, neighbors, and caregivers, many of whom shared her passion for golf. Her legacy in the Capital Region is nothing short of legendary. In 2018, she clinched her seventh Northeastern Women’s Golf Association (NEWGA) championship, surpassing Mary Jo Kelly’s record of six titles. And this is the part most people miss: Kroll’s victories spanned an astonishing 31 years, from her first win in 1987 to her final triumph in 2018, a record that may never be broken.
“Nancy was an amazing presence in women’s golf in our entire region for many years,” said Jane King, president of NEWGA. “The golf community has lost a very special person.”
Kroll’s advocacy for women’s golf went beyond competition. She was a vocal supporter of growing the sport, urging clubs to rejoin NEWGA and recruit more players. But here’s where it gets controversial: In an era where golf is often seen as an elite sport, Kroll’s efforts to make it more accessible and inclusive were both pioneering and polarizing. Was she ahead of her time, or simply fighting an uphill battle? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Her career was studded with highlights: 10 holes-in-one, participation in the first-ever USGA Team Championship, and wins in the Schenectady Women’s Championship in 2017 and 2018. Yet, her greatest triumph may have been her 2014 victory in the New York State Golf Association’s Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, a win she dedicated to her father, Edward Kroll, who had passed away the previous year from Alzheimer’s. Edward, a PGA professional for 58 years, had been her first coach, teaching her the game from the age of 10. “I had a good teacher,” Kroll once said. “His voice is always in my head.”
John Souza, a PGA pro and longtime friend, credited Kroll’s late-career success to her ability to adapt and discover new strengths in her game. “She was molded by her dad, but she found ways to evolve,” he said. Souza also highlighted her generosity, noting how she often gifted her father’s PGA memorabilia to fellow pros, ensuring his legacy lived on. And this is the part most people miss: Kroll’s impact wasn’t just on the course—it was in the way she inspired others to embrace the game’s history and future.
Carolyn Mancini, a frequent golf partner and close friend, recalled how their bond deepened after sharing a cart during Kroll’s 2014 championship win. “Nancy just loved the game,” Mancini said. “She had a great swing, a deep understanding of mechanics, and a way of making everyone around her feel included.” Their shared love for the movie Moonstruck became a running joke, solidifying their friendship. Mancini also praised Kroll’s role as a catalyst for women’s golf, noting how she introduced her to new players and tournaments, even those hours away.
Beyond golf, Kroll was a dedicated educator. A special education teacher in the East Greenbush Central School District since 2007, she was known for her compassion and commitment to her students. “Mrs. Kroll was a beloved member of our district,” the school said in a statement. “Her impact on the lives of children with special needs will never be forgotten.”
Kroll’s journey began in Cooperstown, where she was introduced to golf by her father. She later moved to Florida, attending Cardinal Newman High School and Rollins College, before earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Florida Atlantic University. She returned to New York to pursue her master’s in special education at The College of Saint Rose, blending her passions for teaching and golf seamlessly.
As we reflect on her life, one question lingers: How do we honor pioneers like Nancy Kroll? Is it by breaking records, mentoring others, or simply keeping the spirit of the game alive? Share your thoughts below. Kroll’s sisters, Louise Anne and Kathryn, will host a celebration of her life in the spring, but her legacy will live on in every swing, every lesson, and every barrier broken in the name of women’s golf.
