The PGA of America hosted its biennial Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort Wednesday night during the 107th PGA Annual Meeting, recognizing six highly influential individuals whose impact on the game of golf will resonate for years to come.
Emceed by CBS Sports Reporter Amanda Renner, the evening celebrated the 2023 PGA of America Hall of Fame Class: PGA Members Robert Dolan, Don Wegrzyn, Herb Wimberly; PGA Past President Suzy Whaley; LPGA Legend Kathy Whitworth; and CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz.
The PGA of America Hall of Fame originated in 1940 at the suggestion of famed sportswriter Grantland Rice to honor and recognize individuals who through their lives, careers, service and support have made significant and enduring contributions to the PGA of America in its mission to grow the game of golf. It is the highest honor that the PGA of America can bestow upon its membership and ambassadors of the game.
Kathy Whitworth, LPGA, who was honored posthumously, holds one of the most famous records in golf: 88 victories over a span of 23 years. Throughout her career, she was always a friend to the PGA of America and PGA of America Golf Professionals. In 2006, she was named the PGA of America’s First Lady of Golf, and in 2023 was given an honorary membership to the Northern Texas PGA Section.
“When the phone call came, I went silent and I grinned,” said Whitworth’s longtime partner Bettye Odle. “I said, ‘Well Kathy Whit, this is the icing on the cake.’ That’s exactly what she would have said. My wish for all of us is that Kathy was sitting here right now, she would be so honored and would have loved to share this with all of you.”
About Kathy Whitworth Foundation
Kathy Whitworth Foundation is a Fort Worth-based 501(c)(3), celebrating Kathy Whitworth’s legendary career by supporting participation in junior girls golf. The foundation is committed to inspiring young women to embrace confidence, strong values, and responsibility, which will in turn provide opportunity to develop leadership and sportsmanship skills for life-long success. To learn more, visit https://kathywhitworthfoundation.org
About Kathy Whitworth Invitational Junior Girls Championship
Established in 1999, the Kathy Whitworth Invitational Junior Girls Championship draws some of the best junior girl golfers in the world to Fort Worth each spring. Since its inception, the tournament has been conducted in concert with the ideals of the USGA: to promote love of the game while building confidence, character, leadership, sportsmanship and responsibility. Tournament entry acceptance is based on playing ability and merit. Many Kathy Whitworth Invitational alumnae have played in college and the LPGA, including Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Nelly Korda, Jessica Korda, Christina Kim, Jane Rah, Brittany Lang, Rachel Heck and many more. In addition to elevating junior girls golf, the tournament benefits local charities in Tarrant County. For more information, visit https://kathywhitworthinvitational.com/.
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