Kathy Whitworth Partner: Meet Bettye Odle

Bettye Odle did not reveal Whitworth’s cause of death, only that he died suddenly Saturday night while celebrating with family and friends.

“Kathy left this world the way she lived her life  loving, laughing, and making memories,” Odle said in an LPGA Tour statement.

Kathy Whitworth won the first of her 88 titles in July 1962 at the Kelly Girls Opens. She won six majors during her career and broke Mickey Wright’s record of 82 career victories when she won the Lady Michelob in 1982.

Kathy Whitworth final victory came in the United Virginia Bank Classic in 1985. Kathy Whitworth was the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in 1965 and 1967, easily defeating Wimbledon singles champion Billie Jean King.

In an eight-year period, she was named LPGA Player of the Year seven times (1966 through 1973).