Kathy Whitworth

Class of 1982

Professional Player

Biography

Kathy Whitworth won more tour events than other golfer on any major tour in history.

Born in Monahans, Texas on September 27, 1939 the Whitworth family moved to Jal, New Mexico, where Kathy's father Morris ran a hardware business and later became the town's mayor. It was in Jal that 14 year old Kathy left the tennis courts for the golf course and the expert guidance of fellow Texas Golf Hall of Fame teacher Hardy Loudermilk.

The athletic teen captured the New Mexico State Women’s Amateur in 1957 and 1958. It was in 1958 that Kathy sought guidance from another Texas Golf Hall of Fame teacher Harvey Penick and joined the LPGA Tour. The tour had no idea what force was about to sweep though its ranks.

Kathy didn't get her first win until 1962 at the Kelly Girls Open but clearly the 22 year old was just getting started. She won again in 1962 then eight times in 1963. A pattern was emerging, when the going got tough, Whitworth got going. Kathy's first 13 wins saw future Hall of Fame Members finish runner-up. That number extended to 17 in 18 wins as 1965 was drawing to a close, but another pattern was emerging. Despite her prolific win total she had yet to win a major championship.

On November 28th, 1965 the major drought came to an end in epic fashion. A 10 shot victory at the Titleholders Championship opened the floodgates. Kathy would successfully defend her championship in 1966, win two more in 1967 and add another pair before retirement.

By the time 1973 conclude Kathy had won 53 LPGA Tour events was named Player of the Year seven out of eight seasons and also won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in seven of eight seasons. To date only Annika Sorenstam has more LPGA Player of the Year awards and no one has as many LPGA scoring titles.

Along the way there were many other milestones, some of which are outlined on this page, but her most enduring legacy is the unwavering support she showed her family, friends, fans, fellow professionals, the tour and the game itself. Her support of and stature in the women's game was recognized when Karsten Solheim created the women's version of the Ryder Cup. Kathy Whitworth captained the U.S. Solheim Cup Team through the first two competitions with her usual grace, intelligent and determination.

After her playing days concluded, she assumed responsibility as the LPGA’s vice president and ultimately its president. She now oversees the administration of the annual Kathy Whitworth Invitational Junior Girls Golf Championship and the Kathy Whitworth Foundation.

Kathy is also a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.

One of Texas' greatest gifts to the game passed suddenly on Christmas Eve, 2022 in Flower Mound, Texas. Kathy Whitworth, the greatest winner in golf history, was 83 years young.

Legacy Video

Career Highlights

88 careers wins
First female player to break the $1 million barrier.
Six major championships.
LPGA Player of the Year seven times between 1966 and 1973
Won the Vare Trophy for best scoring average by an LPGA Tour Player a record seven times between 1965 and 1972
World Golf Hall of Fame class of 1982
Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in 1965 and 1967.
She was Named "Golfer of the Decade" by Golf Magazine for the years 1968 to 1977 during the 1988 Centennial of Golf in America celebration.
She received the 1985 William Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Assn. in 1987
A record 11 holes in one during LPGA Tour tournaments
LPGA Tour record 17-year streak with at least one win per year.
93 runner-up finishes
Solheim Cup Captain 1990 and 1992

Talented Guidance: Hardy and Harvey

The most outstanding winner the game has ever known has the good fortune to have two fellow Texas Golf Hall of Fame members guide her from an early age: Hardy Loudermilk and Harvey Penick.

Kathy Whitworth began her golf journey under the guidance of Hardy Loudermilk, a local pro in New Mexico who introduced her to the fundamentals of the game and helped spark her passion for it. As her talent developed, she later trained with the legendary Harvey Penick, whose gentle wisdom and emphasis on simplicity deeply influenced her approach to golf. Together, Loudermilk and Penick shaped Whitworth’s foundation—not only in technique but also in character—helping her become one of the greatest and most respected figures in the history of the sport.

A Moral Leader

Kathy Whitworth wasn't just a leader on the course. In the early 1960's when the bus carrying the LPGA players pulled into a town in the Jim Crow south, everyone got off and lined up to check-in at their hotel. When Renee Powell reached the front desk the Tour's only African American player was informed that her reservation had been lost and the hotel was completely booked. From the back of the line came Kathy Whitworth who informed the hotel staff that if Renee Powell wasn't going to stay in the hotel then none of the players would be staying in the hotel. The hotel manager quickly found a room for Ms. Powell but the kindness shown at that moment still resonates with Renee.

181 Top Two Finishes!

Kathy Whitworth’s 93 runner-up finishes are a powerful testament to her extraordinary consistency and competitiveness on the LPGA Tour. While she holds the record for the most career victories in professional golf (men and women) with 88 wins, her near-wins further highlight how often she was in serious contention. Week after week, year after year, Whitworth proved to be a dominant force, finishing either first or second in 181 tournaments. Rather than being seen as missed opportunities, her runner-up finishes reflect a career defined by excellence, resilience, and a near-unmatched presence at the top of the leaderboard.

One in a Million

Kathy Whitworth was the first LPGA player to surpass one million dollars in career earnings. She reached this milestone in July 1981 during the U.S. Women’s Open, where she finished third. That achievement marked a historic moment in women’s professional golf, making Kathy the inaugural millionaire in LPGA history.

An LPGA Legend

LPGA Players Angela Stanford, Stacy Lewis and Ally Ewing share their thoughts about Kathy Whitworth and her legacy.

Recognizing the Greatest

Seemingly every organization has recognized Kathy's achievements both on and off the course.

Tribute to a Champion

Golf Channel's Rich Lerner remembers the game's greatest winner.

Her Philanthropy Lives On

Kathy Whitworth’s legacy lives on through two impactful initiatives that support the next generation of women golfers. The Kathy Whitworth Invitational brings together top junior girls from around the world, offering elite competition and leadership development while also benefiting local charities. Meanwhile, the “Great 88” fundraiser, inspired by her 88 LPGA victories, provides financial support to aspiring professional players on the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour through the Kathy Whitworth ‘88’ Gift Award. Together, these programs reflect Whitworth’s lifelong commitment to growing the game and empowering young women in golf.

Keepsake

Kathy Whitworth famously used a Square Two Monogram Series putter, the same trusty 33-inch blade she relied on for all 88 of her LPGA victories. Rather than fret when the grip wore down, she wrapped it with electrical tape, the fix that became part of her signature, low‑fuss approach. That taped‑up putter wasn’t just a club, it was a physical emblem of her unwavering belief in fundamentals and consistency, proving you don’t need flashy gear to dominate the game

PGA of America Hall of Fame Induction

Deep Dive Interview

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Kathy Whitworth - Born In Monahans Texas

Deep dive video interview