Throughout the history of golf, many outstanding athletes have shone, but special mention goes to female golfers. Overcoming gender stereotypes and barriers, they have proven that they can achieve triumphs on par with men. In this article, we will talk about 10 of the greatest representatives of the fairer sex who have made an invaluable contribution to the development of golf and have become legends of this aristocratic sport. Their achievements have inspired and continue to inspire millions of girls worldwide to assert their rights and strive for self-realization. And if you are into betting and wagering on less popular sports, try your luck at Melbet Sri Lanka com EN bookmaker. The company offers good conditions in terms of the variety of sports, quality service, and generous bonuses.
Pioneers of Women’s Golf
These women were pioneers who opened a new era in golf. Thanks to them, the presence of women on golf courses and high positions in world rankings is no longer surprising.
Kathy Whitworth
She became the first American to lead a team in the Solheim Cup – the women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup. Throughout her career, she won 88 titles in LPGA tournaments and claimed major victories 6 times – the main tournaments of the season.
Mickey Wright
The first female inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Ben Hogan himself called her swing the best he had ever seen. Wright won 82 times on the LPGA Tour, including 13 majors.
Louise Suggs
Famous as one of the founders of the LPGA in 1950. This legend of American golf won 58 professional titles, including 11 majors.
Patty Berg
Holds the honorary title of “First Lady of American Golf.” She became the first president of the LPGA and the record holder for the number of major victories (15). Her 63 professional wins and contribution to the development of women’s golf made her a Hall of Famer.
Modern Stars
The new generation of legendary golfers has continued the legacy of their great predecessors, proving that women’s golf is no less spectacular and competitive than men’s.
Annika Sorenstam
Annika Sorenstam from Sweden became the first European to dominate professional women’s golf.
She has won over 90 international titles, including 72 LPGA tournaments and 10 majors. In 2003, Sorenstam achieved an unprecedented “career Grand Slam,” winning 4 major championships in a single season. She was also the first woman since Babe Zaharias to qualify for the PGA Tour.
Inbee Park
Inbee Park from South Korea topped the world rankings 4 times. In 2013, she achieved a rare hat trick – three major victories in one season. Park became the 7th golfer in history to achieve a “career Grand Slam.” In 2016, she won an Olympic gold in golf – the first since 1900!
Nancy Lopez
The golfer burst onto the scene in 1978, winning 9 LPGA tournaments, including a streak of 5 triumphs in a row. These successes earned her the titles of Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year, and Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press. Throughout her career, the American won 48 LPGA tournaments and 3 majors.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Babe Didrikson Zaharias from the USA was a dominant figure in women’s golf in the 1940s and 1950s. She won 48 amateur and 10 professional majors. The fastest tennis player in history, she won 10 and 20 LPGA victories – all in just a year and 20 days! Besides golf, Zaharias excelled in basketball, baseball, athletics, as well as sewing, music, and singing.
The multifaceted Babe Zaharias, in addition to her brilliant golf career, also excelled in basketball, baseball, athletics, won the sewing championship, recorded songs on Mercury Records labels. A bright example that women can succeed in any field.
Modern Record Holders
Here are the names of the brightest stars of women’s golf of our time, who have achieved incredible feats.
Karrie Webb
Considered the greatest Australian golfer of all time. She has 41 victories in the LPGA Tour, surpassing the results of any other currently competing athlete. Webb is inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Laura Davies
Nicknamed the “Victory Machine,” Englishwoman Laura Davies became the first non-American to top the LPGA money list. She set a record by winning 7 races in the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit. In total, Davies has 87 professional titles, including 20 LPGA tournaments and 4 majors. Sir Nick Faldo called her “the greatest sportswoman I’ve ever seen.