Kathy Whitworth, a World Golf Hall of Fame member, winner of 88 career LPGA titles and six major championships, died December 24 at age 83. 

Below are statements from Whitworth’s longtime partner, Bettye Odle and LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. A full obit from Ron Sirak can be found here on the LPGA’s website. 

“It is with a heart full of love that we let everyone know of the passing of the winningest Golf Professional ever, Kathy Whitworth. Kathy passed suddenly Saturday night celebrating Christmas Eve with family and friends. Kathy left this world the way she lived her life, loving, laughing and creating memories.” – Bettye Odle, longtime partner of Kathy Whitworth

“The golf world and the world in general lost one of its most incredible women with the passing of Kathy Whitworth. Kathy was a champion in the truest sense of the word, both on the golf course and off. In the short time I spent with Kathy, I was truly blown away by her and her approach to the game and to life. Her strength, insightfulness and vibrancy were obvious from the minute you met her! She inspired me as a young girl and now as the commissioner and I know she did the same for so many others. We all mourn with Bettye, her family and the entire golf world.” – LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan