American · San Diego, California · Born 14 February 1935 · Died 2020-02-17American golf legend who won 13 major championships and is considered among the greatest ball-strikers in golf history.
Mary Kathryn Wright was born in San Diego, California in 1935 and became the greatest female golfer of the 1960s — winning 82 LPGA titles (2nd only to Kathy Whitworth's 88) and 13 major championships across a remarkable career. She turned professional in 1955. Her 13 majors: US Women's Open (1958, 1959, 1961, 1964), LPGA Championship (1958, 1960, 1961, 1963), Titleholders Championship (1961, 1962) and Western Open (1962, 1963). She won the US Women's Open 4 times — the joint record with Betsy Rawls. She won 4 consecutive LPGA Player of the Year awards (1960–1963). She won 4 consecutive tournaments on multiple occasions — the most sustained period of tour dominance in women's golf history. Ben Hogan described her swing as the finest he had ever seen in any golfer, male or female — an extraordinary endorsement. She retired from full-time competitive golf in 1969 due to foot problems and a desire for privacy, playing only the US Women's Open from 1973 onward. She died in February 2020 aged 85. She is widely considered the most technically accomplished female golfer in the history of the sport.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest golf swings and players ever; only player to hold all four major titles simultaneously
How They Played
Powerful, precise swing with exceptional accuracy and distance control
Lasting Impact
13 major championships, 82 LPGA Tour wins, revolutionized women's golf with powerful swing
Career Honours
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- held all four LPGA major titles simultaneously 1961-62
- 82 career LPGA wins
American Athletes