Alison Nicholas
The 5'1" English golfer whose steely putting clinched a dramatic U.S. Women's Open victory over Nancy Lopez.
Born 1962 (age 64)·English professional golfer·Birthday: March 6·Baby Boomers
Biography
Alison Nicholas proved that power in golf is measured in nerve, not just stature. Standing just five foot one, the Englishwoman built a career on precision and an unshakable competitive spirit. While she found success on the European tour, it was her transatlantic breakthrough in 1997 that etched her name in history. At the U.S. Women's Open in Ohio, Nicholas faced down the legendary Nancy Lopez in a final-round duel, her clutch putting under immense pressure securing a one-stroke victory. That major championship win was the pinnacle of a consistent career that also saw her become a cornerstone of European Solheim Cup teams, both as a player and later as a captain. Her leadership helped Europe retain the cup in 2011, showcasing the same tactical grit she displayed on the greens.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Alison was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alison Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Alison's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 1997 U.S. Women's Open, defeating Nancy Lopez by a single stroke in a tense final round.
- Captained the European Solheim Cup team to a dramatic 15–13 victory in 2011, retaining the cup.
- Accumulated over 20 professional wins worldwide across the Ladies European Tour and other circuits.
- Was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to golf in 1998.
Did You Know?
She is famously petite, standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall, which led to her nickname 'Big Al' as an ironic contrast.
She worked as a club professional at Moor Hall Golf Club in the West Midlands early in her career.
After retiring from playing, she served as the tournament director for the Ladies European Tour's Turkish Airlines Open.
“You have to play your own game, not the one others expect of you.”
