It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Kathrynne Ann Whitworth, a professional golfer from the United States. On Saturday, December 24, 2022, one of the greatest golf champions passed away. Kathy Whitworth is an inspiration to others who have followed in her footsteps. She was a pioneer in the sport. Reflect on her extraordinary career and remember how she changed the game forever. Read on for more.
Contents
What Caused Kathy Whitworth’s Death? How did she die?
Whitworth passed away unexpectedly on Saturday night while celebrating with friends and family, according to her agent and friend Bettye Odle, who has not disclosed the cause of death. A renowned figure in the golfing world, Whitworth set numerous records during her successful career and was the all-time champion of the LPGA Tour with 88 wins.
She will be remembered for her outstanding performance and cheerful disposition that inspired others to give their all. What happened Saturday night to cause Kathy Whitworth’s untimely death is still a mystery.
Who was Kathy Whitworth?
Kathy Whitworth joined the tour in 1958 when the Ladies Professional Golf Association was still a fledgling organisation. With 88 event wins over her long career, she became one of the most successful golfers in both men’s and women’s history.
She shared the AP Female Athlete of the Year award with Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King in 1965 and 1967 for her extraordinary talent. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1982 for her numerous achievements.
One of Whitworth’s most notable achievements was her professional career-long record of 144 tournament wins or second-place finishes. This includes a remarkable run from 1966 to 1968 in which she won 23 consecutive tournaments, a feat no other player had ever achieved before or since. The great golfer Jack Nicklaus won only 18 games in that period, so let’s take a look at this achievement.
Whitworth also had a strong desire to help individuals in her community. She gave over $3 million to charities through golf-related activities during her career. She also launched scholarship funds for promising female golfers who lacked the resources to pursue their goals.
View more related articles:
Kathy Whitworth obituary
One of the greatest golfers, male or female, to ever grace the game will be remembered as Kathy Whitworth. She paved the way for future female golfers by becoming the first with more than 60 event wins and eight major wins. Playing tenacious, determined and charming, Kathy won admiration from all corners of the sport.
In addition to being an accomplished golfer, Kathy was also a strong supporter of women’s rights and the “First Lady” of women’s golf, actively participating in various organizations to further their goals. It’s all thanks to Kathy that many generations of female athletes, like Kathy in 1964, have set records both on and off the field.
Kathy Whitworth will always be remembered as a selfless role model who led by example – a blend of flair, grace, drive, ambition and modesty in a hitherto male-dominated world. Kathy’s legacy will be carried on by others who continue her excellent work; we forever owe her our positive thoughts and love. Kathy Whitworth, may you rest in peace. We will never forget you.
Tribute to the death of Kathy Whitworth
Amanda Mcdowell
I read today that your old roommate Kathy Whitworth passed away today. I remember watching Kathy pass by the gym, not realizing what a famous icon she was, but instead thinking about how tall and athletic you both were. I happened to be at the dinner theater one night and saw you with a few more (women) laughing and having fun. I was stunned and still am. I hope heaven has a golf course and you play a round together in happiness and peace.
Rachel Smith
She was a wonderful woman and will be missed by many
Barbara Larkin
❤️🙏❤️
Lorena Noriega
I’m sending you hugs cousin. May she rest in peace.
Joann Stockdale
My heart is heavy RIP kathy you have earned your wings. Condolences to family and friends.
@BillieJeanKing
Kathy Whitworth, who had 88 career wins and was the winningest golfer in history, has passed away. She was the first woman to earn $1 million in the @LPGA
I had the honor of meeting her. She loved her sport and was a
pioneer and a true champion.
May she rest in peace.
Rest in peace to one of the greatest champions golf has ever known, Kathy Whitworth.
-88 LPGA wins
-six major titles
-seven times player of the year
-seven-time scoring champion
-World Golf Hall of Famer🐐
— Zephyr Melton (@zephyrmelton) December 25, 2022
I first met Kathy Whitworth last month. She took a swing on the range and my jaw dropped. Her flexibility, swing speed and positioning were unreal. “It all starts with the grip,” she reminded me a few times that day. RIP to golf’s biggest winner. pic.twitter.com/vBlzhvksB0
— Nicole Gaddie (@NicoleGaddie) December 25, 2022
Kathy Whitworth, who set a benchmark in golf no one has ever touched, has passed away aged 83.
Her 88 wins are the most by any player on a single professional tour. https://t.co/PoqNI2QgW2
— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) December 26, 2022
https://t.co/wmz0PPWbgC Kathy Whitworth, the winningest golfer in history, dies at 83
— Emma (@cz105) December 26, 2022
Kathy Whitworth, the winningest professional in golf history with 88 titles, dies suddenly at age 83 https://t.co/hYQ9DrpYiH
— Golfweek (@golfweek) December 26, 2022
Kathy Whitworth’s record of 88 LPGA Tour wins spanned nearly a quarter of a century and she was the first female golfer to earn $1 million.https://t.co/gUECpvvg0S
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) December 27, 2022
Kathy Whitworth was a legend of the game and a kind, patient, down-to-earth friend to all who had the honor of working with her. She will be greatly missed. https://t.co/DfuoXyuRjr
— Stina Sternberg (@StinaSternberg) December 26, 2022
Kathy Whitworth, record holder for golf wins in the US, dies at age 83#Ladies pic.twitter.com/wg64gKVCOc
— Rohit Chouhan Rajput (@itsrohitchouhan) December 26, 2022
Breaking News: Kathy Whitworth, the first female pro golfer to earn $1 million and the record holder for US tournament wins, has passed away at the age of 83. https://t.co/njz9wZ3BFc
— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 25, 2022
Kathy Whitworth, all-time leader of LPGA wins, dies at age 83 https://t.co/mTxthDJ91c
— Mike Barnes (@MikeBarnes4) December 26, 2022
https://t.co/ZQjcStVY66
Golfer Kathy Whitworth, who recorded the most professional tour wins of all time, dies at 83 pic.twitter.com/1hqWDUGquO— Janet Johnson (@JJohnsonLaw) December 26, 2022
View more related articles:
Last lines
According to her lifelong partner, Whitworth passed away on Christmas Eve. Numerous triumphs marked her career on the LPGA Tour and she was the first woman to earn $1 million. The wise woman had reached the age of 83.
Stay connected with us at Leedaily.com for more latest updates and recent news.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.