Kathy Whitworth

In 1957, Whitworth's tireless practicing and the dedication of her mentors and family helped her win the New Mexico State Women's Championship. Her prize was a turquoise necklace that she turned down, instead asking that the awarding committee give her a trophy. The committee obliged. In 1958, Whitworth won the state championship again. This second win bolstered her confidence and she began to meet the professionals of women's golf. With financial backing from her father and several Jal businessmen, Whitworth decided to turn professional.

Whitworth's first season of professional golf was in 1959. She had dropped out of Odessa Junior College to pursue her career and was learning the realities of tournament play. Although she was thrilled to be playing professionally, she did not play well and made no money. Increasingly discouraged, Whitworth went home to discuss plans of leaving the tour. She credits a pep talk from her parents with inspiring her to return to the tour. The next week she tied for last place and won $33. That win was enough to keep her going.

Whitworth became determined to make golf her career. In 1961 she attended a six-week golf clinic held by LPGA co-founder Patter Berg. Through Berg's clinic, Whitworth learned many different styles of shots, which she relentlessly practiced. The practice paid off. She started placing in the top ten. In 1962, at the Kelly Girls Open in Elicott City, Maryland, Whitworth won her first match. After that she routinely placed in the top two spots along with women's golf legend Mickey Wright.

From 1965 to 1974, Whitworth claimed at least two of the following three titles each year: player of the year, lowest scoring average, or leading earner. She earned all three titles five different years. For 17 years in a row, she won at least one tournament; a record matched only by male players Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

The extreme competitiveness of professional golf eventually took a toll on Whitworth's nerves. By 1973, she was beginning to feel its effects and she began to back off from the idea of winning. Her game deteriorated significantly through the 1970s, hitting an all-time low in 1979 and 1980 when she recorded no wins. In 1981, Whitworth recollected herself. She began focusing on her practicing again, and met with her former coach Penick to pick up a few refreshing pointers.

Returning to basics did the trick for Whitworth's game. In May of 1981, Whitworth broke her losing streak with a win at the Coca-Cola Classic in Paramus, New Jersey. The win set her on track to break several more records. She became one of four women close to topping the one million dollar mark. She also started encroaching on Mickey Wright's record number of wins for a woman golfer. By August, Whitworth placed third at the U.S. Open held in La Grange, Illinois, putting her earnings over the one million mark. In 1982, she topped Wright's wins with her 82nd win at the Lady Michelob Classic.