The American professional golfer, Kathrynne Ann Whitworth, famously known as Kathy Whitworth, died on 24th December 2022. Born on 27th September 1939, the 83-year-old golfer was the first woman to reach career earnings of $1 million on the LPGA [Ladies Professional Golf Association] tour.
A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Kathy won 88 LPGA tour tournaments. It was more than anyone else had ever won on the LPGA or PGA tours. Not only that, but she was also a runner-up 93 times in her career, giving her 181 top-two finishes.
Kathy was born in Texas, USA, and she died in Texas as well. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear the news of her death. She was an amazing golfer, and the world shall always remember her. Kathy was a fierce woman who loved to live and laugh, and even in her last moments, she was laughing and making memories with her loved ones. Although no official confirmation has been made, people have been speculating about the cause of her death.
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Kathy Whitworth: Where It All Began
The youngest of Morris Whitworth, Kathy began playing golf when she was 14. She was only 19 when she switched coaches and turned pro. It was in 1958 that Kathy finally joined the LPGA, which marked the beginning of her brilliant career.
After joining the LPGA, Kathy won her first tournament in 1962. The tournament was Kelly Girls Open. She was LPGA Player Of The Year seven times between the years 1966 and 1973. In 1975 the golfer was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame. A few years later, in 1982, she was inducted into the World Golf Hall Of Fame.
Additionally, in 1965 and 1957, Kathy was honored as the Female Athlete Of The Year by The Associated Press. In 1974, she even won the Orange Blossom Classic. Furthermore, on the 100th anniversary of golf in America, The Golf Magazine honored Kathy as Golfer Of The Decade from 1968 to 1977. She was also awarded the William Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Association of America in 1985.
Kathy Whitworth: After Golf
After playing golf for years, Kathy at last retired from competitive golf in 2005. But not before competing in the BJ’s Charity Classic on the Women’s Senior Golf Tour. Apart from that, she decided to publish her book too.
In 2007, her book titled Kathy Whitworth’s Little Book Of Golf Wisdom was published. The LPGA legend shared expert advice on playing one shot at a time in this little book. The golfer was also involved in countless charitable endeavors and founded the Kathy Whitworth Scholarship Fund. It provides financial assistance to junior golfers.
Kathy Whitworth: How Did The Golfer Die?
Kathy had settled and was living with her partner Bettye Odle. Apparently, she was attending a neighbor’s Christmas party on Saturday night when she collapsed and died. She was 1.75m tall and weighed 61 kg. Kathy’s death was confirmed by her long-time partner. Her friends and people from all over the world have been sharing their condolences. Her death took everyone by surprise. Hence, none of her close friends or even family members have been able to announce what actually caused her sudden death.
Kathy Whitworth: Net Worth
According to sources, Kathy Whitworth had an estimated net worth of $200,000. She loved winning more than anything and admitted that she would have traded being the first millionaire for winning the Open. Kathy won several tournaments throughout her career, but the only missing thing from her career was the U.S. Open. As sad as it is, we are still proud of her achievements and contributions to the sport. May Kathy’s soul rest in peace.
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