‘Where has that time gone?’: first Women’s Open champion Jenny Lee Smith on 1976 glory, Kevin Keegan and finding her secret twin

Renowned Golfer Reflects on Past with Kevin Keegan's Passing

Jenny Lee Smith, the inaugural winner of the Women's Open, is set to attend the prestigious tournament at Royal Lytham this week as a guest of the R&A. The occasion has prompted the golfer to reminisce about a significant moment in her career, which also coincided with the rise of football legend Kevin Keegan. Smith was a prominent figure in the North East sports scene in the early 1980s, and her reflections on Keegan's passing serve as a poignant reminder of her status during that time.

Smith's sporting achievements in 1982 earned her the North East Sports Personality of the Year award, although she was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to her golf commitments in the United States. The following year, she presented the trophy to Kevin Keegan, a moment that holds a special place in her memory. As she recalls, Smith's sponsorship by Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, which also supported the local football team, brought her and Keegan together. The two developed a close friendship, with Smith describing Keegan as "a lovely chap."

The passing of Kevin Keegan at the age of 75 has left Smith and many others in the sporting community saddened. Her memories of Keegan serve as a testament to the enduring bonds formed through sports, and the lasting impact of individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. As Smith prepares to return to the golf course at Royal Lytham, she does so with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the people who have shaped her career and personal life.