Pro Golfing Legend Kathy Whitworth Dead Suddenly At 83
Pro golfing legend Kathy Whitworth has joined the growing list of celebrities who have been confirmed: “dead suddenly.” According to multiple media outlets, the pro golfer has been reported dead at the age of 83. Her death was first announced by her longtime partner, Bettye Odle.
As anyone with even a remote interest in golfing knows, Kathy Whitworth is a legend and a name that will not soon be forgotten. What is known about her sudden passing? Plus, take a closer look at the incredible life she lived by scrolling down.
Kathy Whitworth had won 88 times on the LPGA Tour, the most in history.
That's more wins than Tiger has on the PGA Tour.
She had one of the sweetest swings you ever did see. pic.twitter.com/cM7wJ6fF4C
— Rachel Bleier (@Rachel_Bleier) December 25, 2022
Kathy Whitworth Suddenly Dead At 83
Kathy’s longtime partner did not share any details regarding the pro golfer’s cause of death. It, however, was confirmed that Kathy Whitworth passed away suddenly on Saturday night (Christmas Eve). She was celebrating the holidays with her loved ones.
Kathy left this worth the way she lived her life — loving, laugh and creating memories.”
A Golfing Legend Remembered By The Number 88
Kathy was considered a golfing legend as she had a benchmark that no other professional golfer ever touched (including Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam). The number 88 will forever be associated with her name as she snagged 88 victors during a single professional tour. Which is more than any other professional golfer had ever been able to attain.
She won the first of her 88 victors during the Kelly Girls Opens in July 1962. She claimed her final victory in 1985 during the United Virginia Bank Classic.
I met Kathy Whitworth for the first time 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 couple times that day. RIP to golf’s greatest winner. pic.twitter.com/vBlzhvksB0
— Nicole Gaddie (@NicoleGaddie) December 25, 2022
Most agree Kathy Whitworth even paved the way for women in the sport as she became the first woman to exceed making $1M from her career as a professional golfer. She surpassed this number back in 1981.
In 1965 and 1967, she was named as the AP Female Athlete of the Year. This was around the time that she won against Wimbledon singles champion Billie Jean King. In 1982, she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Over the course of eight years (from 1966 to 1973), she was named the LPGA player of the year seven different times.
Kathy Whitworth, who won 88 LPGA events and 6 majors across her storied career, died Saturday.
She was 83. pic.twitter.com/uagxllAcU5
— ESPN (@espn) December 25, 2022
Even with all of these achievements and accolades on her golfing resume, the number 88 is still what people remember her most for.
It goes without saying that the golfing legacy she left behind will never die.
Rest in peace, Kathy Whitworth.
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