After high school, Mary Lena went to Ward Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee.  She did not play golf here, but did participate in track and field and basketball.

Mary Lena With A Former US Amateur Winner (left)

I'm putting the following true story in so the younger generation reading this will know what dedication looks like.  "Even when my dad couldn't go to the course, I would ride my bike."

Mary Lena, Mother & Father and Nieces Kay & Ivey

When Mary Lena was 14 her family moved to Thomasville, Georgia, to operate the Faulk Chevrolet dealership.  She continued to play both golf and tennis while attending Thomasville High School.  Thomasville is also where she would be introduced to one of the greatest and oldest courses in the South, Glen Arven Country Club.  There she would meet pro John Walter, who would have a large impact in her critical developing years as a young golfer.

Mary Lena Faulk's Mother Addressing Crowd At Mary Lena Faulk Celebration

Mary Lena Faulk With City Proclamation

Mary Lena Faulk Day Celebration At City Hall

'Mary Lena Faulk Day' Parade-Thomaville, GA

Faulk Family In Car With Trophy

In Car With Trophy Before 'Mary Lena Faulk Day' Parade

At Home With Trophy And Family

Mary Lena With Trophy At Her Parent's Home

Nieces Ivey Faulk and Kay Watt With Amateur Trophy

Mary Lena after winning the 1953 US Women's Amateur

The Faulk Family With Mary Lena

Mary Lena Congratulating Opponent

An Evening Out

Mary Lena Running The Camera

At WJAR-TV Station

Mary Lena is on the right.

Trophy Time

Mary Lena (right) and Oppenent