Kathy Whitworth, one of the greatest golfers in history with 88 wins on the LPGA Tour spanned nearly a quarter century and becoming the first woman to earn $ 1 million in her career span died suddenly on Christmas Eve. Kathy at 83 said her final goodbye leaving in shock everyone. Kathy’s death was confirmed by her partner, Bettye Odle in a statement which reads-
“It is with a heart full of love that we let everyone know of the passing of the winningest golf professional ever, Kathy Whitworth.“Kathy left this world the way she lived her life – loving, laughing and creating memories,”.
Image Source: Golf.com
Kathy Whitworth is a great loss to the golf world. The legend is sorely missed and remembered as the golf champion in history ever.
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan in a statement on its official website wrote:
“The golf world and the world, in general, lost one of its most incredible women with the passing of Kathy Whitworth,” “Kathy was a champion in the truest sense of the word, both on the golf course and off.”
“Her strength, insightfulness and vibrancy were obvious from the minute you met her! She inspired me as a young girl and now as the commissioner and I know she did the same for so many others. We all mourn with Bettye, her family and the entire golf world.”
Whitworth’s Cause of Death Explained
Kathy on Saturday while celebrating Christmas with family had a sudden demise. However, the reason for the cause of her death is not disclosed yet. But people are speculating that Whitworth died of natural causes due to her age. Although no official confirmation has been made by her partner or anyone else regarding it. We will update you soon as soon as we get any further details of the cause of her death.
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All About Kathy Whitworth’s Partner, Bettye Odle
Kathy Whitworth for the whole of her life is unmarried. The legendary golfer once in an interview revealed that if she does marry she would perhaps lose her identity as a golf player. Although the winningest golfer has a long-time partner Betty Odle. No further details have been available about her partner as she keeps her personal life under wrap.
Everything to Know About Kathy Whitworth and her Professional Life
The American professional golfer was born in Monahans, Texas, USA on September 27, 1939. Kathy Whitworth’s original name was Kathrynne Ann Whitworth was born to parents Morris Whitworth and Dama Robinson Whitworth. She was the youngest child of her parents. Her father owned a hardware store. She did her graduation from Odessa College, Texas.
Kathy at the young age of 15 started playing golf and at 19 became a professional player by her joining the LPGA in December 1958. Whitworth’s 88 wins on the LPGA tour including six major championships was more than the record held by Sam Snead and Tiger Woods for the men’s game. With her winning, she became the first LPGA golfer to earn $ 1 million in her career.
Image Source: www.inquirer.com
In her winning speech Whitworth once said:
“I don’t think about the legacy of 88 tournaments,”
“I did it because I wanted to win, not to set a record or a goal that no one else could surpass.
“I’m not some great oddity. I was just fortunate to be so successful. What I did in being a better player does not make me a better person.
“When I’m asked how I would like to be remembered, I feel that if people remember me at all, it will be good enough.”
Whitworth in 1982 was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. The legendary golfer takes her retirement from competitive golf in 2005. Thus became a member of the New Mexico Hall of Fame, Texas Golf Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame and World Golf Hall of Fame. Kathy also wrote a documentary Book ” Kathy Whitworth’s Little Book of Golf Wisdom” in which the legendary golfer shares her life lessons.
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