Kathy Whitworth, the golfer with the most career victories, died on Sunday at the age of 83, according to the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
Bettye Odle, Whitworth’s longtime lover, confirmed that she died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve while visiting family and friends. “Kathy left this world loving, laughing, and making memories,” Odle added. Odle made no mention of the cause of death.
Whitworth once stated that she didn’t care about breaking records, despite being the most “winningest” golfer in history.
“I don’t think about what 88 tournaments will mean in the long run,” she said. “I did it because I wanted to win, not to set a record or a goal that no one else could beat. I’m not a strange person. I was simply fortunate to be so successful. I’m not a better person because of what I did to become a better player.
“When people ask how I want to be remembered, I tell them that if they remember me at all, that’s fine with me.” Continue reading to learn about her personal life and career.
Who Is Kathy Whitworth’s Husband?
Despite the fact that Kathy Whitworth had never married, she had been in a long-term relationship with her partner Bettye Odle. As far as we know, he confirmed her death. Not much information is known about Odle.
Know About Kathy Whitworth’s Legendary Career
Kathrynne Ann Whitworth was a professional golfer in the United States. She won 88 LPGA Tour tournaments during her career, more than any other LPGA Tour player. She became the first woman to earn $1 million on the LPGA Tour in 1981. She has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Whitworth’s first tournament victory came in 1962, when she won the Kelly Girls Open. She won six major titles in total. Between 1965 and 1972, she won the Vare Trophy for the best scoring average by an LPGA Tour player a record seven times. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1975. The Associated Press named her Female Athlete of the Year in 1965 and 1967.
During the celebration of the 100th anniversary of golf in America in 1988, Golf Magazine named her “Golfer of the Decade” for the years 1968–1977. The Golf Writers Association of America gave her the William Richardson Award in 1985 for her many great contributions to golf.
What Is Kathy Whitworth’s Net Worth?
It is estimated that Kathy Whitworth had a net worth of $3 million-$5 million. The fact that Kathy has been a golfer for more than half a century makes her one of the athletes with the longest careers in the sport’s history. Kathy is the only person who owns her published book, which is named “Kathy Whitworth’s Little Book of Golf Wisdom.”
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