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 trophies—it was about breaking barriers, mentoring others, and leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the fairways.
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 impact on the Capital Region’s golf scene was nothing short of legendary. In 2018, she clinched her seventh Northeastern Women’s Golf Association (NEWGA) championship, shattering Mary Jo Kelly’s record of six titles. And this is the part most people miss: Kroll achieved this feat after a 15-year hiatus from competitive golf, proving that age and time away from the game are no match for determination and skill.
“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 victories spanned an astonishing 31 years, from her first win in 1987 to her final triumph in 2018—a record in itself. She wasn’t just a competitor; she was a fierce advocate for women’s golf, playing in both competitive and social leagues. “I grew up playing NEWGA,” she once told the Times Union. “It means a lot to me. There are some great winners on that trophy. It’s important to me that we keep NEWGA strong and recruit more golfers.”
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. But Kroll’s greatest strength wasn’t just her swing—it was her ability to adapt and grow. After her father, Edward Kroll, a PGA professional who taught her the game, passed away in 2013, she channeled his legacy into her own success. The following year, she won the New York State Golf Association’s Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, a victory she dedicated to her father’s memory.
“I had a good teacher,” Kroll said. “My father helped me since I was about 10 years old. I’ll be practicing, and his voice will be in my head, or I’ll remember an expression or a phrase of encouragement that he would say.”
John Souza, a PGA pro and longtime friend, noted that Kroll’s later-in-life championships were a testament to her ability to discover new strengths in her game. “She was molded pretty firmly by her dad; she wouldn’t really stray too much from what he would say,” Souza explained. “But we would come up with new, smart ways for her to take advantage of her new superpowers.”
Here’s where it gets controversial: Was Kroll’s success a product of her father’s teachings, or did she truly forge her own path? While her dad’s influence was undeniable, Kroll’s ability to evolve her game and dominate after a long break suggests a unique talent all her own. What do you think? Was her legacy built on tradition, innovation, or a blend of both?
Beyond the course, Kroll was a dedicated educator, teaching special education in the East Greenbush Central School District since 2007. “Mrs. Kroll was a beloved member of our community, dedicating her career to teaching children with special needs,” the district said in a statement. Her impact extended to friendships forged through golf, like her bond with Carolyn Mancini, who recalled Kroll’s infectious love for the game and their shared obsession with the movie Moonstruck.
Kroll’s roots in Cooperstown, her time in Florida playing golf year-round, and her academic achievements—including a master’s in special education—paint a picture of a woman who balanced passion and purpose seamlessly. She is survived by her sisters, Louise Anne Kroll and Kathryn Kroll, and a celebration of her life will be held in the spring.
As we reflect on Nancy Kroll’s extraordinary life, one question lingers: How can we honor her legacy? Is it by breaking records, mentoring others, or simply playing the game with the same joy and determination she did? Share your thoughts in the comments—her story deserves to be continued through the voices of those she inspired.
