Updated

Peggy Kirk Bell, a leading teacher and one of the most passionate advocates for women's golf, has died at her home in Pine Needles at age 95.

Kelly Miller, her son-in-law and the club president at Pine Needles and Mid Pines, informed club members that she died on Wednesday, according to The Pilot newspaper.

Kirk Bell was one of the top amateurs in women's golf in the years before the LPGA Tour was formed. She and her late husband bought and developed Pine Needles Lodge, and the Bell family later purchased Mid Pines. The U.S. Women's Open has been played three times at Pine Needles.

She was a member of seven Halls of Fame and was the first woman inducted to the PGA Golf Instructors Hall of Fame.