Born: 1939 (Monahans, Texas)
Died: 2022
Biography:
Kathrynne Ann Whitworth, born on September 27, 1939, in Monahans, Texas, was an American professional golfer who left an indelible mark on the world of golf. As the youngest of three daughters of Morris Whitworth, a hardware store owner and later mayor in Jal, New Mexico, she grew up in a supportive and nurturing environment. Whitworth’s journey in golf began at the age of 14 when she shifted her focus from tennis to this new sport. Under the guidance of Hardy Loudermilk, Whitworth quickly honed her skills and showcased her potential by winning the New Mexico State Amateur Championships in 1957 and 1958.
At the age of 19, Whitworth made another crucial decision by changing coaches to work with Harvey Penick. This move led to her turning professional and joining the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in December 1958. The start of her professional career provided a glimpse of her future success. In 1962, Whitworth claimed her first tournament victory at the Kelly Girls Open. This win marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would span over four decades.
Whitworth’s incredible talent and unwavering determination propelled her to unprecedented heights in women’s golf. Over the course of her playing career, she achieved 88 LPGA Tour victories, a record unmatched by anyone else on the LPGA or PGA Tours. Additionally, she finished as a runner-up 93 times, accumulating a staggering 181 top-two finishes throughout her career. Her remarkable consistency and dominance in the game earned her the recognition as one of the greatest female golfers of all time.
Among her 88 victories, six were major championships, further solidifying Whitworth’s legacy as a golfing legend. She excelled under pressure and showcased her skills on the biggest stages, earning respect and admiration from her peers. Whitworth’s excellence extended beyond the professional realm as well. In 1974, she secured her fifth victory at the Orange Blossom Classic, joining a select group of LPGA golfers who have won the same tournament five times.
Whitworth’s impact on the game went beyond her individual achievements. She played a crucial role in the growth and development of women’s golf. In 1990, she was honored to be the U.S. team captain at the inaugural Solheim Cup match, an event that showcases the best female golfers from the United States and Europe. Through her leadership and performance, Whitworth inspired a new generation of aspiring young golfers and contributed to the ongoing progress of women’s sports.
Beyond her accomplishments on the course, Whitworth broke barriers and shattered records in terms of earnings. In 1981, she became the first woman in the history of the LPGA Tour to surpass $1 million in career earnings, solidifying her position as a trailblazer and a pioneer in the sport. Her financial success not only highlighted her skill and consistency but also opened doors for future generations of female golfers, proving that women could thrive and excel in professional sports.
Whitworth’s exceptional talent was recognized and celebrated by various institutions and organizations. She received numerous accolades and awards throughout her career, including being named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in 1965 and 1967. She was also honored as the LPGA Player of the Year seven times between 1966 and 1973, showcasing her sustained excellence and dominance over an extended period. Furthermore, she won the Vare Trophy for best scoring average by an LPGA Tour player a record seven times between 1965 and 1972. In 1975, Whitworth was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, and in 1982, she earned a well-deserved spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Whitworth’s impact extended beyond the golfing world. Her contributions to the sport were recognized by the larger community, and she received the prestigious 1986 William Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Association of America for her consistent outstanding contributions to golf. She was also inducted into the New Mexico Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Texas Golf Hall of Fame, and the Women’s Sports Foundation Hall of Fame, cementing her place as a true pioneer and a role model for aspiring young female athletes.
Kathrynne Ann Whitworth retired from competitive golf in 2005 after participating in the BJ’s Charity Classic on the Women’s Senior Golf Tour. Throughout her career and beyond, she continued to share her wisdom and love for the game. In collaboration with Jay Golden, she published Kathy Whitworth’s Little Book of Golf Wisdom in 2007, offering valuable insights to golf enthusiasts and aspiring players.
Sadly, Kathy Whitworth passed away on December 24, 2022, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and inspiring countless individuals with her skill, perseverance, and achievements. Her impact on the game of golf and women’s sports will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Awards:
– Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year (1965, 1967)
– LPGA Player of the Year (1966, 1967, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973)
– Vare Trophy (best scoring average by an LPGA Tour player) (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971)
– Inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame (1975)
– Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame (1982)
– William Richardson Award (Golf Writers Association of America) (1986)
– Inducted into the New Mexico Hall of Fame (1999)
– Inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2001)
– Inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame (2001)
– Inducted into the Women’s Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.