Kathy Whitworth, America’s most decorated professional golfer, has died at the age of 83, according to the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
“Her 88 LPGA victories are the most ever on a professional tour,” the publication stated.
The Texan won six more medals than female rival Mary Kathryn “Mickey” Wright, as well as men’s game co-champions Sam Snead and Tiger Woods.
Her spouse said she died abruptly on Saturday night while celebrating Christmas Eve with relatives and friends.
Whitworth won six majors during her long career and came near to winning the US Women’s Open, the most prestigious trophy, as a runner-up in 1971.
She was the first woman to earn $1 million (£829,000) on the LPGA circuit in 1981.
Her last professional title came in 1985, 23 years after she originally won it.
Paying respects, LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said Whitworth was “one of the most wonderful women”.
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