Who was Kathy Whitworth?

Kathy Whitworth at the 2009 Solheim Cup

Kathy Whitworth was a veteran of the game during her era and etched her name as the winningest golfer of all time. With an impressive career over decades, her achievements were nothing short of extraordinary.

Hailing from Monahans, Texas, Kathy Whitworth was first driven towards playing tennis and by the age of 14, she switched to golf. Under the guidance of coaches Hardy Loudermilk and later Harvey Penick, she secured victories at the 1957 and 1958 New Mexico State Amateur Championships.

She claimed her first LPGA Tour victory at the Kelly Girls Open in 1962. Over the years, she had an astounding 88 tournament wins.

This record still stands as the highest in the history of professional golf. Notably, six of these victories were Major championship titles.

Whitworth’s journey was marked by an average of 3.8 victories per season, surpassing the likes of Mickey Wright and Sam Snead to become the winningest golfer, man or woman. Remarkably, Whitworth considered herself to possess merely average talent.

In 1981, she became the first woman to reach career earnings of $1 million on the LPGA Tour. Her accolades are numerous, including seven LPGA Player of the Year titles, seven Vare Trophies for best scoring average, and inductions into both the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1975 as well as the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1982.

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/.