Funviralpark
CNN
—
Kathy Whitworth, the most successful golfer of all time, has died at the age of 83, the Women’s Professional Golfers’ Association announced Sunday.
Whitworth died suddenly Saturday night while celebrating Christmas Eve with family and friends, her longtime partner Betty Oddle said.
“Kathy left this world like she lived her life loving, laughing and making memories,” Odle said in a statement.
Odor has not released details of the cause of death.
Whitworth is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. She has her 88 wins on her LPGA Tour, including her six LPGA majors her championships. Her 88 wins are six more than Sam Snead and Tiger Woods, the men’s record holders.
In 1981, Whitworth became the first LPGA golfer to earn $1 million in career earnings. A year later she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
“Kathy was a true champion on and off the golf course. In the short time I spent with Kathy, I was truly blown away by her and her approach to the game and life.
“Her strength, insight and exuberance were evident from the moment you met her! She was an inspiration to me in my youth and now as Commissioner. We all join Betty, her family and the golf world at large in our condolences.”
