Wilma Gilliland

Although an accomplished golfer in her own right, Wilma Gilliland is best known and rightfully recognized for her tireless involvement in the administration of golf at both the state and national level.

Among many other tournament victories, the long-time resident of Kimball won the state women’s sand green championship six times and was the inaugural champion of both the Western Regional (1977) and the Nebraska State Seniors for Women (1979).

For a majority of the 1980’s and early 90’s, Wilma was extremely active in both the United States Golf Association and the Women’s Trans National Golf Association.

Wilma has been tournament director for the Trans National since 1983. She competed in the Trans-National championship from 1961 to 1971. In one tournament she lost on the 19th hole to former LPGA President Alice Miller; played with Nancy Lopez in Nancy’s first Trans in 1971 and was President of the Trans when Nancy won the championship in 1976.

Wilma was a member of the USGA Senior Women’s Championship committee from 1980-84; a member of the selection committee for the Curtis Cup and the World Team from 1987-90; and a member of the USGA Public Golf Committee from 1987-90. She also held the position of chairman for the USGA Women’s Committee.

She was one of the first women from Nebraska appointed to serve on any USGA national committee and since that time has been instrumental is getting other women from the state appointed to every USGA sub-committee.