Aquinas College

Inducted in 2005, a Grand Rapids native and Union High School graduate, made her mark on the AQ men's golf teams in the mid-1960s. She was an outstanding player and, nationally, was one of the top three women collegiate golfers who, at the time, were awarded scholarships to compete on the men's teams. In her final two years at Aquinas, she won 70 percent of her contests against male opponents and was a medalist in the NCAA event at Michigan State University where she also set a course record. Wilder managed to win numerous West Michigan golf tournaments including four Grand Rapids city championships and was low amateur at the 1965 Wolverine Open. She enjoyed a professional playing career before becoming an administrator and teacher. She was a regular on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour for seven years, during which time she captured eleven competitive course records and served on the APGA Executive Board. She became the first female head professional in the Palm Springs area in 1974 and, later, was the first female general manager. As a seasoned golf professional, Wilder also amassed an impressive teaching record that has included Debbie Austin, LPGA Golf Magazines Player of the Year; thirty-four of her students were Club Champions; and five state champions. She also authored an instruction book on golf- The Wilder Side of Golf and has been a frequent contributor to several national golf journals. Currently, she lives in California where she is a director of golf for the Coachella Recreation and Park District, the largest district in the state.