Kathy Whitworth,: Tributes flood in for ‘incredible’ women’s golf legend who holds title record

Kathy Whitworth, who has the most trophies in professional golf, has died at the age of 83.

Whitworth’s death was confirmed in a statement from America’s Ladies Professional Golf Association.

“Her 88 LPGA victories are the most ever on a professional tour,” the statement read.

The Texan died on Saturday evening while she was enjoying Christmas eve with her family, said her partner Bettye Odle..

“Kathy left this world the way she lived her life, loving, laughing and creating memories,” Odle said.

“I would have swapped being the first to make a million for winning the Open, but it was a consolation which took some of the sting out of not winning,” she of the two achievements.

She last won a professional title in 1985, with her first coming in 1962. In total she won 88 titles over the course of a career that spanned decades.

LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan described Whitworth as “one of the most incredible women.

“Kathy was a champion in the truest sense of the word, both on the golf course and off.”

Tennis legend Billie Jean King paid tribute to Whitworth, saying on Twitter: “Kathy Whitworth, who had 88 career wins and was the winningest golfer in history, has died. She was the first woman to earn $1M in the @LPGA.

“I had the honor of meeting her. She loved her sport, and was a trailblazer and a true champion. May she rest in peace.”