Born: 1974 (Ayr, Queensland)
Biography:
Karrie Ann Webb AO (born 21 December 1974) is an Australian professional golfer. She plays mainly on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour, and also turns out once or twice a year on the ALPG Tour in her home country. She is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. She has 41 wins on the LPGA Tour, more than any other active player.
Early Life and Amateur Career:
Karrie Webb was born in Ayr, Queensland. From a young age, she developed a passion for golf and showed exceptional talent. She honed her skills as a member of the Australian Amateur team, representing her country in six international appearances from 1992 to 1994. One of her notable achievements during this time came in 1994 when she competed in the Espirito Santo Trophy World Amateur Golf Team Championships.
In the same year, Webb became the Australian Stroke Play Champion, demonstrating her prowess on the golf course. These early successes set the stage for her future career as a professional golfer.
Professional Career:
Webb turned professional in 1994, making her debut on the Ladies European Tour. She immediately made an impact, finishing as the runner-up at the Women’s Australian Open. Webb also competed on the Futures Tour in the U.S., where she secured her first professional victory.
In 1995, Webb became the youngest-ever winner of the Weetabix Women’s British Open, achieving this feat in her rookie season in Europe. This victory solidified her status as a rising star in women’s golf and earned her the title of European Rookie of the Year. Additionally, she qualified for the LPGA Tour after finishing second at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament, despite playing with a broken bone in her wrist.
The year 1996 proved to be a groundbreaking one for Webb. She won her first LPGA tournament, the HealthSouth Inaugural, in just her second LPGA start. Webb went on to win three more tournaments that season, becoming the first LPGA player to surpass the $1 million mark in a single season. Her exceptional performance also earned her the prestigious title of LPGA Rookie of the Year.
Webb continued her success in 1997, capturing three victories on the LPGA Tour, including her second Weetabix Women’s British Open title. She also received the Vare Trophy, awarded to the player with the lowest scoring average, and was honored as the 1997 ESPY Best Female Golfer.
In 1999, Webb achieved a major milestone in her career by winning her first major championship at the du Maurier Ltd. Classic. This victory solidified her position as one of the elite golfers in the world. Webb’s remarkable performance throughout the season earned her the LPGA Tour Player of the Year award.
Notably, Webb participated in the largest playoff in LPGA Tour history at the 1999 Jamie Farr Kroger Classic. Alongside five other golfers, including Se Ri Pak, Mardi Lunn, Carin Koch, Sherri Steinhauer, and Kelli Kuehne, Webb battled it out to secure victory. While Pak eventually emerged as the winner, the playoff showcased Webb’s competitive spirit and her ability to rise to any challenge.
In 2000, Webb continued to dominate the LPGA Tour, securing two more major championships. She first triumphed at the Nabisco Championship and followed it up with a win at the U.S. Women’s Open. These victories cemented her status as one of the top golfers in the world. Additionally, Webb claimed her second consecutive Rolex Player of the Year title and Vare Trophy. Although she narrowly missed out on becoming the first LPGA player to earn $2 million in a single season, she left an indelible mark on women’s golf.
Throughout her career, Webb has displayed exceptional skill, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her achievements on the golf course have solidified her reputation as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
Awards:
– World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
– 41 wins on the LPGA Tour
– 1996 LPGA Rookie of the Year
– 1997 Vare Trophy winner
– 1997 ESPY Best Female Golfer
– 1999 LPGA Tour Player of the Year
– Multiple major championships winner
– Australian Stroke Play Champion (1994)