Queens of the Green: Meet the Most Influential Women in Golf

Posted by Taboo Fashions™ on Sep 20th 2024

The world of women's golf has seen extraordinary talent and remarkable achievements. Over the years, female golfers have not only excelled on the greens but have also shattered barriers and set new standards in the sport. Their achievements paved the way for future generations, culminating in a more inclusive and competitive environment today. The pioneers on the list below have not only elevated the status of female golfers today but also inspired countless young women to pursue golf. We have compiled ten names of some of the most remarkable women in golf and sports history.

Annika Sörenstam

Nationality: Swedish
Years Active: Early 1990s through mid 2000s
Retirement: 2008
Career Highlights: 10 major championships, 72 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: One of the most dominant golfers in history, known for her precision and consistency. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.
Fun Fact: Sörenstam became the first woman in 58 years to play in a PGA Tour event when she competed in the Bank of America Colonial in 2003.

Mickey Wright

Nationality: American
Years Active: Mid 1950s through the 1960s
Retirement: 1969
Career Highlights: 13 major championships, 82 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: Renowned for her near-perfect swing. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1976.
Fun Fact: Ben Hogan, one of the greatest male golfers of all time, once said that Wright had the finest golf swing he had ever seen, male or female.

Kathy Whitworth

Nationality: American
Years Active: Late 1950s through mid 1980s
Retirement: 1985
Career Highlights: 6 major championships, 88 LPGA Tour wins (most in history)
Legacy: Known for her competitive spirit and consistency. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1982.
Fun Fact: Whitworth played in a record of 43 consecutive U.S. Women’s Opens, showcasing her enduring skill and dedication to the game.

Patty Berg

Nationality: American
Years Active: 1940s through the 1970s.
Retirement: 1978
Career Highlights: 15 major championships, 60 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: A founding member of the LPGA, known for her pioneering contributions. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1951.
Fun Fact: She was the first woman to win a professional golf tournament with a purse of $1,000 or more.

Louise Suggs

Nationality: American
Years Active: Late 1940s through 1960s
Retirement: 1960
Career Highlights: 11 major championships, 61 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: Co-founder of the LPGA, influential in shaping women's professional golf. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1951.
Fun Fact: In 1957, she became the first woman to earn more than $10,000 in a single season on the LPGA Tour

Betsy Rawls

Nationality: American
Year Active: Early 1950s through mid 1970s
Retirement: 1975
Career Highlights: 8 major championships, 55 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: Known for her strategic play and later contributions as an LPGA official. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1960.
Fun Fact: She won the Vare Trophy, awarded to the LPGA player with the lowest scoring average, four times during her career.

Nancy Lopez

Nationality: American
Years Active: Late 1970s through early 2000s
Retirement: 2003
Career Highlights: 3 major championships, 48 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: Charismatic and influential in popularizing women's golf during the 1970s and 1980s. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1987.
Fun Fact: She won the U.S. Girls' Junior Championship in 1972 at just 15 years old.

Lorena Ochoa

Nationality: Mexican
Years Active: 2002 through 2010
Retirement: 2010
Career Highlights: 2 major championships, 27 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: Dominated women's golf from 2007 to 2010, bringing international attention to the sport. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.
Fun Fact: Ochoa was the first Mexican golfer to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in the Women's World Golf Rankings.

Karrie Webb

Nationality: Australia
Years Active: Late 1990s to the present
Retirement: still active
Career Highlights: 7 major championships, 41 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: The most successful Australian golfer, known for her longevity and consistency. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2005.
Fun Fact: Webb is one of only seven female golfers to have won all four major championships during her career.

Babe Zaharias

Nationality: American
Years Active: Late 1930s through mid 1950s
Retirement: 195
Career Highlights: 10 major championships, 41 LPGA Tour wins
Legacy: A multi-sport athlete who was instrumental in founding the LPGA. Known for her extraordinary athletic ability. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1951.
Fun Fact: Before becoming a golf legend, she was a standout track and field athlete, setting several records in events like the hurdles and javelin.

In conclusion, the world of women’s golf is marked by incredible talent, dedication, and groundbreaking achievements. As the sport continues to evolve, these remarkable women have undoubtedly left an enduring legacy, shaping the future of golf and demonstrating the boundless potential of women in sports. The continued celebration of their achievements serves as a testament to their impact and a source of inspiration for all.