Breaking Barriers and Records: The 10 Greatest Female Golfers
The 10 Greatest Female Golfers of All Time
Golf was long seen as a sport for men - but there are many amazing female athletes in this sport, too, and rightly so.
Read about 10 female golf legends who broke barriers - and records!
These are the 10 best female players in Golf history.
Record-breaking golf legend Babe Zaharias
Many people may associate the word golfer with men (typically older men), but golf has become a sport enjoyed by many people, including young people and women, the challenge of individual sports should not be confined to being male or female after all.
The history of golf actually includes a lot of women, with some familiar faces and legends from a bygone era, as well as new, iconic figures that are reshaping the face of the sport and breaking new records.
We’ve already looked at the 5 greatest male golfers of all-time - so let’s honour the legendary female golfers who paved the way for women in this sport.
Read on for the top 10 female golf legends in history.
1. Kathy Whitworth
Kathy Whitworth started her career in tennis
She won the 1957 and 1958 New Mexico State Amateur Championships
She’s secured 88 victories on the LPGA Tour
Arguably one of America’s best golfers, Kathrynne Ann Whitworth is an American professional golfer who actually started her career in a completely different sport – tennis.
As a child, she was more interested in tennis, and it wasn’t until she turned 14 years old that she showed an interest in golf.
Her first coach, Hardy Loudermilk, helped her win the 1957 and 1958 New Mexico State Amateur Championships, but once she turned 19 she decided to change coaches and go with Harvey Penick.
At this point she turned pro – a choice that turned out to be the best thing for her, as just three years later she won the Kelly Girls Open.
Since then, Kathy Whitworth's impact on the world of golf is undeniable, having secured an astounding 88 victories on the LPGA Tour.
Her reign as one of the sport's greatest came primarily during the 1960s and '70s. Notably, she clinched six Major titles, showcasing her exceptional skill on the most significant stages.
Furthermore, Kathy Whitworth made history by being chosen as the inaugural American captain for the Solheim Cup in 1990, adding another layer to her remarkable career.
2. Mickey Wright
She won her first significant title at the 1952 US Girls’ Junior Championship
She’s secured 82 victories on the LPGA Tour
She’s a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame
Mary Kathryn "Mickey" Wright is an iconic name widely recognised in the golf scene - and she’s rightfully become a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Mickey Wright's journey in golf took an early turn when she secured her first significant title at the 1952 US Girls' Junior Championship.
Although she faced a setback with a loss in the final of the 1954 US Women's Amateur, her determination shone through as she claimed victory in the 1954 World Amateur Championship.
It was this triumph that led her to make the pivotal decision to transition to the professional circuit later that same year.
In a remarkable progression, Mickey swiftly joined the LPGA Tour in 1955, where she went on to capture an impressive 82 career events, including an outstanding 13 major championships.
The great Ben Hogan was impressed by her, describing her swing as “the best he had ever seen.”
3. Annika Charlotta Sörenstam
The first European woman to dominate professional women’s golf
A track record of over 90 international victories
The first player since Babe Zaharias to tee off in a men’s PGA Tour event
Golf excellence knows no borders, and Annika Charlotta Sörenstam from Sweden broke new ground as the first European woman to dominate professional women's golf.
Widely recognised as one of the greatest female golfers ever, Sörenstam boasts an impressive track record of over 90 international victories, including 72 official LPGA tournaments, 10 of which are major championships, and 24 other international wins.
The highlight of her illustrious career came in 2003 when she achieved a remarkable career grand slam, conquering each of the four major championships during her prime.
In a remarkable feat, she also became the first player since Babe Zaharias to tee off in a men's PGA Tour event.
Notably, Sörenstam's name is etched in history as the sole female golfer to achieve a remarkable score of 59 in a round. Even after her retirement, she chose to join and compete in the 2021 US Senior Women’s Open where she come out as a winner.
4. Inbee Park
She claimed number one in the Women’s World Golf Rankings four times
She secured three consecutive major victories in the 2013 season
The youngest winner of the US Women’s Open
Capturing hearts worldwide, the South Korean golfer emerged as one of the most prominent figures in golf, gracing both the LPGA Tour and the LPGA of Japan Tour.
A true force, she claimed the number one rank in the Women's World Golf Rankings on four distinct occasions: April 2013 to June 2014, October 2014 to February 2015, June 2015 to October 2015, and April to July 2018.
Park's legacy sparkles with an impressive collection of seven major championships throughout her career.
An extraordinary feat unfolded during the 2013 season, as she secured three consecutive major victories, becoming only the fourth LPGA Tour player to achieve such a milestone in a single calendar year.
Adding to her illustrious record, she holds the distinction of being the youngest winner of the US Women's Open and follows in the footsteps of Annika Sorenstam as the second player to triumph in the Women's PGA Championship three years consecutively.
With finesse, Park stands as the seventh player in history to clinch victory across four distinct majors during her journey, sealing her career Grand Slam.
Last but not least, one of her greatest accomplishments occurred in 2016 when we all saw her triumph on a global stage, securing the first Olympic gold medal in the women's individual tournament since 1900!
5. Patty Berg
The founding figure and inaugural president of the LPGA
She’s collected 63 professional tour victories
She has the most major wins for a female golfer
Patty Berg shines as a celebrated American golf sensation. She’s recognised as a distinguished member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and is seen as the founding figure and inaugural president of the LPGA.
Her affinity for golf sparked early, initially ignited by her parents' suggestion and later by her passion for the sport.
Within just three years of joining the world of golf, she embarked on her competitive amateur journey, winning the Minneapolis City Championship.
This marked the beginning of her impressive collection of 29 amateur titles—a prelude to her transition into the realm of professional golf.
Patty's path, however, was marked by a challenging incident—a car accident that tested her strength and raised doubts about her return to the golf courts.
Undeterred, she displayed her strength and craftsmanship by clinching victory at the Women’s Western Open upon her return, laying the foundation for her continued success.
She’s left behind an incredible legacy, with 63 professional tour victories, including 15 majors. She has also been granted a spot in Golf’s Hall of Fame.
Remarkably, Patty Berg holds an enduring legacy as the record holder for the most major wins by a female golfer at 15, a distinction she still holds to this day.
6. Mae Louise Suggs
She won the Georgia State Amateur title in 1940 at age 16
She became a professional golfer in 1948
She’s a charter member of the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame
Mae Louise Suggs, an iconic figure in American golf, stands tall as one of the co-founders of the LPGA in 1950. Launching her golf journey as a teenager, her remarkable talent was evident immediately.
At just 16 years old, she clinched a victory at the Georgia State Amateur in 1940, securing the title again in 1942.
The Southern Amateur Championship was hers to claim in both 1941 and 1947, and she showcased her talent by conquering the North and South Women's Amateur three times (in 1942, 1946 and 1948).
Her ascent was swift—she achieved back-to-back triumphs in the Women's Western Amateur and Women's Western Open, along with the 1946 Titleholders Championship. These achievements would later be recognised as major championships after the LPGA was established.
Mae's journey took a professional turn in 1948, marking the commencement of her official career.
With unwavering determination, she accumulated 58 more professional victories, including an impressive 11 major titles.
Known for her consistent excellence, from 1950 to 1960, Mae Suggs maintained a prominent position, finishing in the top three of the season-ending money list throughout the entire decade.
Her exceptional win in the 1957 LPGA Championship established her as the first LPGA player to accomplish a career Grand Slam.
Her legacy is duly celebrated, as she became a charter member of the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame in its inaugural year of 1967, and later, in 1979, she received induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Adding to her accolades, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame welcomed her in 1966, a testament to her lasting impact on the world of golf.
7. Nancy Lopez
She secured victories in nine tournaments of the 1977 LPGA Tour
She earned LPGA Rookie of the Year, LPGA Player of the Year and more
She amassed a total of 48 LPGA Tour victories
Another brilliant American golfer, Nancy Marie Lopez found her passion for the sport at an early age. She made waves by winning the New Mexico Women's Amateur at the remarkable age of 12 in 1969.
Her talent continued to shine as she clinched the US Girls' Junior titles in both 1972 and 1974, triumphing at ages 15 and 17, respectively.
Joining the LPGA Tour in 1977, Nancy's inaugural full season in 1978 was nothing short of spectacular as she secured victory in an astounding nine tournaments, including an unprecedented streak of five consecutive wins.
Her remarkable achievements even led her to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated in July.
Additionally, her success earned her the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average, LPGA Rookie of the Year, LPGA Player of the Year and the prestigious title of Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.
Nancy continued to be on the winning team, as she managed to achieve another eight victories in 1979.
Her remarkable consistency was evident as she secured multiple wins each year from 1980 to 1984, despite playing half-seasons in 1983 and 1984 due to the birth of her first child.
Over the course of her illustrious career, she amassed a total of 48 LPGA Tour victories, which included wins in three major championships.
8. Babe Zaharias
She was the premier player in the 1940s and early 1950s
She conquered the three premier women’s majors in 1950
She secured a major title in the Titleholders Championship in 1952
Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias was a true embodiment of versatile talent!
Babe Didrikson Zaharias became known as America's pioneering female golf celebrity, reigning as the premier player in the 1940s and early 1950s.
In her pursuit to regain amateur status in golf, she dedicated three years solely to the sport.
Successfully reclaiming her amateur status in 1942, her golfing journey yielded an impressive 48 victories, of which 10 were major titles.
1950 was her year as she achieved the remarkable Grand Slam by conquering the three premier women's majors: the US Open, the Titleholders Championship and the Women's Western Open. This feat propelled her to top the money list for that year.
Notably, she set a record in the same year by reaching 10 wins faster than any other LPGA golfer, accomplishing this milestone within just one year and 20 days—a record that still stands today.
Her supremacy continued when she emerged as the leading money-winner in 1951, and in 1952, she secured another major title with a resounding victory in the Titleholders Championship.
Health challenges interrupted her schedule in 1952-53, but her determination remained unyielding, allowing her to set another record as the fastest player to attain 20 wins, a remarkable achievement that was realised in just two years and four months.
Her remarkable skills extended not only to golf but also basketball, baseball and track and field, underscoring her multitalented nature.
Outside sports, she won the sewing championship at the South Texas State Fair and she showcased her musical talents as a singer and harmonica player, leaving her mark by recording multiple songs under the Mercury Records Label.
9. Karrie Weebb
She secured the Australian Stroke Play Championship in 1994
She won second place at the Women’s Australian Open
She is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame
For many, Karrie Webb is considered Australia’s greatest golfer of all-time. She was part of the Australian Amateur Team, competing internationally from 1992 to 1994.
In 1994, she showcased her burgeoning talents by securing the Australian Stroke Play championship, marking the inception of her professional golf journey.
Her foray into the professional circuit included appearances on the Ladies European Tour, where she clinched second place at the Women's Australian Open, and the Futures Tour in the US, where she notched a tournament victory.
The following year, she became the youngest winner of the Weetabix Women's British Open and was named European Rookie of the Year.
Reflecting the exceptional accomplishments of her peers, Karrie proudly holds membership in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
An impressive total of 41 victories on the LPGA Tour solidifies her standing as a true golfing force— and this record surpasses the achievements of any other active player today.
10. Dame Laura Davies
Nicknamed “winning machine” due to her skills on the course
She secured victories on the Ladies European Tour every year from 1985 to 2010
She holds the record for winning the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit seven times
Dame Laura Jane Davies comes from England and is often regarded as England's most accomplished modern female golfer.
She earned the nickname "winning machine," as a testament to her skill - and this name can give you an idea of her greatness.
In the period from 1985 to 2010, she secured victories on the Ladies European Tour every year! There wasn’t a single year in which she didn’t register at least one victory.
More so, she became the first non-American to top the LPGA money list and she holds the record for winning the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit seven times: in 1985, 1986, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2006.
Throughout her career, she accumulated 87 professional wins globally, with 20 of these on the LPGA Tour, including four majors.
Who Are the Greatest Female Golfing Legends in History?
In the realm of women's golf, these remarkable female golfers have forever engraved their names in golf history through unparalleled talent and dedication.
With multiple major championships and groundbreaking achievements, their enduring impact on the sport is undeniable.
These 10 female golf legends have shaped the golfing landscape into what we know today!
