Whitworth, Kathy (1939–)

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Whitworth, Kathy (1939–)

American golfer. Name variations: Kathryne Whitworth. Born Kathryne Whitworth, Sept 27, 1939, in Monahans, TX.

Dominated the pro circuit (1960s); won the New Mexico State Amateur championship (1957, 1958); won the Baltimore Kelly Girl Open (1962); won 8 tournaments (1963, 1965, 1967), 9 (1966), and 10 (1968); was the leading money winner (1965–68, 1970–73); at the Rochester International golf tournament, claimed her 85th career championship (1984), including 3 LPGA titles, surpassing Sam Snead's record for most professional golf tournament victories; was the 1st female professional golfer to win over $1 million; served as president of LPGA. Was the 1st recipient of the LPGA's Player of the Year Award (1966), receiving it a total of 7 times; named Female Athlete of the Year by Associated Press (1965–66); inducted into LPGA Hall of Fame, World Golf Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and International Women's Sports Hall of Fame; won the Vare Trophy (1965–67, 1969–72).

See also Patricia Mulrooney Eldred, Kathy Whitworth (1975); and Women in World History.