CNN —
Kathy Whitworth, the most successful female golfer in history, has died at the age of 83, the Ladies Professional Golf Association said on Sunday.
Whitworth died suddenly on Saturday night while celebrating Christmas Eve with family and friends, her longtime partner Bettye Odle said.
“Kathy left this world the way she lived her life, loving, laughing and making memories,” Odle said in a statement.
Odle did not provide any information on the cause of death.
Whitworth is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. She has had 88 wins on the LPGA Tour, including six LPGA major championships. Their 88 wins is six more than Sam Snead and Tiger Woods, who hold the record for the men’s game.
In 1981, Whitworth became the first LPGA golfer to earn $1 million in career earnings. A year later she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
“Kathy was a champion in every sense of the word, both on and off the golf course. In the short time I’ve spent with Kathy, I’ve been truly blown away by her and her approach to the game and life,” added LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan in the statement.
“Her strength, insight and vibrancy were evident from the minute you met her! She inspired me as a young girl and now as a Commissioner and I know she has done the same for so many others. We all mourn with Bettye, her family and the entire golfing world.”