Joyce Billings

2003 Recipient of the Jeannie Goddard Memorial Award

Joyce was one of two people who received the first Jeannie Goddard Memorial Award. It was important to set precedence for those recipients to follow. Joyce exemplified the true essence of what the Jeannie Goddard Memorial was to represent: “Integrity, sportsmanship, love and respect for the game of golf – an inspiration to others.” When making the final decision, it was down to two names Joyce Billings and Sue Nyhus, and when talking with Dick Goddard (Jeannie’s husband), who was on the first selection committee, Dick asked if we could have two people for the first year. “Not only did both of them exemplify what the award was all about, but they were very good friends of Jeannie and Jeannie herself always looked up to these two women, for what they have given to golf. They are the perfect choice.”

Joyce started playing golf at the age of 11, with the encouragement of her parents. She took lessons in the Junior Girls Golf Program under the direction of Mick Riley, Belle Fellow and Mary Lou Baker. She joined the Nibley Park Ladies Association in junior high and played in tournaments through high school. Golf in college was almost non existent, but alone she attended some regional tournaments and played 3 years of national tournaments representing the U of U and BYU. Joyce was the first women golfer at BYU to attend a National Tournament. She has been a member of several ladies association but is currently a member at Bountiful Ridge Golf Course. Joyce has been an active member of the USWGA holding the office of Vice President, Team Captain and President. Playing with an 8 handicap, she play’s in almost all USWGA tournaments. Joyce is currently on the UGA Handicap Committee and the Course Rating Team. She also represents the United State Golf Association as the women’s Public Links committee person. She works at Bountiful Ridge Golf Course part-time and play’s as much golf as she can. She too continues to break new ground for others to follow.