Female golfers have come a long way in breaking down stereotypes and earning a place for themselves in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
These athletes are reshaping what it means to excel on the green, from one of the top female golfers Annika Sörenstam’s historic career to young talents like Nelly Korda and Brooke Henderson.
For many years, golf was thought to be an affluent and privileged sport. Female golfers have been instrumental in breaking down these barriers and making the sport more accessible to everybody.
When young girls watch female golfers playing at the highest level, they are more likely to believe that they, too, can achieve their goals in the sport. These athletes serve as great role models for future generations.
Annika Sorenstam
Annika Sorenstam is widely considered one of the best female golfers of all time. She is the first player in LPGA history to win the same major (LPGA Championship) 3 consecutive years, and the first to win the same event (Mizuno Classic) 5 consecutive years.
Likewise, she won 11 out of 21 tournaments entered in 2002, holds the LPGA record for single-season scoring average (68.70 in 2002), and is the only female golfer to shoot a 59 in a professional tournament.
Tournaments wins:
- 90+ worldwide victories
- 10 Major Championships
- Record-breaking streaks
Awards and Recognition:
- 8 Rolex Player of the Year awards
- 6 Vare Trophies
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
- Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Top of LPGA’s All-Time Money List
Mickey Wright
Mickey Wright was another phenomenal golfer whose achievements left a lasting mark on the sport. She has won at least one LPGA title for 14 consecutive seasons (1956-1969) and rightfully, she is one of the best women golfers of all time.
She also served as president of LPGA from 1961 to 1964, helping advance opportunities for women in professional golf.
Tournament Wins:
- 82 LPGA Tour victories
- 13 Major Championships
Awards and Recognition:
- LPGA Hall of Fame inductee, in 1964
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, in 1976
- International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame inductee, in 1981
- PGA of America Hall of Fame inductee, in 2017
- Mickey Wright Medal
Kathy Whitworth
Kathy Whitworth is often referred to as the “winningest golfer you’ve never heard of,” and her achievements deserve all the spotlight. She holds the record for most wins of the Vare Trophy, awarded for the lowest scoring average in a season.
Tournament Wins:
- 88 LPGA Tour victories
- Six Major Championships
- Seven Vare Trophies
- First million-dollar golfer
Awards and Recognition:
- LPGA Hall of Fame inductee, in 1975
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, in 1982
- Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year
- Named by Golf Magazine for the years 1968-1977
- William Richardson Award
Nancy Lopez
Nancy Lopez stands as another iconic figure in the world of women’s golf, inspiring legions with her charismatic presence and remarkable achievements.
She played professionally for over two decades, inspiring generations of young female golfers with her vibrant personality and passionate play.
Tournament Wins:
- 48 LPGA Tour victories
- Three Major Championships
- First-year dominance
Awards and Recognition:
- LPGA Hall of Fame inductee, in 1987
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, in 1987
- Bob Jones Award, in 1998
- William D. Richardson Award, in 2000
- Numerous other awards
JoAnne Carner
JoAnne Carner is a golf legend known for her impressive career and trailblazing contributions to the sport. She played an important role in growing the LPGA Tour and advocating for greater recognition for women’s golf.
Here is a glimpse into her amazing achievements:
Tournament wins:
- 43 LPGA Tour wins
- 2 U.S. Women’s Open titles
- 2 LPGA Championship titles
- Winner of all three USGA Championships
Award and Recognition:
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, in 1982
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
One of the best looking female golfers and sexiest female golfers, Babe Didrikson Zaharias was an American athlete who made a profound impression on the sports world. Her career spanned several sports, making her one of the most diverse and talented athletes of the twentieth century.
Babe, who was born in 1911, rose to prominence in her teens, excelling in basketball, baseball, and track and field. She shifted her concentration to golf in 1935, soon establishing her dominance in this new arena.
Tournament wins:
- Western Open
- Titleholders C’ship
- U.S. Women’s Open
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- LPGA Tour Money Winner
- LPGA Vare Trophy
- Associated Press
- Female Athlete of the Year
- Bob Jones Award
- Presidential Medal of Freedom
Karrie Webb
Karrie Webb is another legendary name in the world of golf, having carved her impressive path with a career packed with achievements. Here is a glimpse into her accomplishments:
Tournament wins:
- 41 LPGA Tour wins
- U.S. Women’s Opens
- Women’s British Opens
Awards and Recognitions:
- LPGA Rolex Player of the Year award
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- LPGA Hall of Fame
- Australian Female Athlete of the Year
Betsy King
Betsy King dominated the world of women’s golf in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Between 1984 and 1989, she clinched 30 tournament victories, more than any other golfer (male or female) in the world during that period. Here’s a closer look at her impressive achievements:
Tournament wins:
- 34 LPGA Tour wins
- 2 U.S. Women’s Open titles
- 3 Chevron Championships
- 1 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- LPGA Hall of Fame
- LPGA Tour Player of the Year award
Pat Bradley
Pat Bradley was nicknamed “Patty Ice” for her cool demeanor under pressure, carved her name in the annals of women’s golf with a career brimming with accomplishments. Let’s explore her amazing achievements:
Tournament wins:
- 31 LPGA Tour wins
- Peter Jackson Classic
- U.S. Women’s Open
- du Maurier Classic
Awards and Recognitions:
- LPGA Player of the Year
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- LPGA Hall of Fame
- GWAA Female Player of the Year
- LPGA Founders Award
Patty Berg
Patty Berg was the twentieth-century powerhouse in the world of women’s golf. Her legacy goes far beyond her outstanding tournament wins, establishing her as a sport pioneer and trailblazer.
Let’s have a look at her incredible accomplishments:
Tournament wins:
- U.S. Women’s Open
- Titleholders Championships
- Women’s Western Opens
- LPGA and WPGA circuits
Awards and Recognitions:
- Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year Award
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- LPGA Hall of Fame
Patty Sheehan
Patty Sheehan is a golfing legend and has a career filled with achievements that solidify her place as the best female golfer of all time. Patty held the record for the LPGA Tour’s lowest scoring average for several years.
Tournament wins:
- U.S. Women’s Open titles
- Nabisco Dinah Shore
- LPGA Championship
- PGA Championship
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
- LPGA Player of the Year
Louise Suggs
Louise ranks among the top winners in LPGA history, demonstrating her sustained excellence throughout her career. She was the first player ever to complete the career Grand Slam in the LPGA, a testament to her versatility and skill across different courses.
Tournament wins:
- 61 LPGA Tour wins
- U.S. Women’s Open titles
- LPGA Championship
- Topped the LPGA money list twice
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
- LPGA Hall of Fame inductee
- Bob Jones Award recipient
- Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
Juli Inkster
Juli Inkster is a legend in the world of golf, boasting a career filled with remarkable achievements. Placing her among the most successful players of all time, Juli’s victories span two decades, showcasing her sustained excellence throughout her career.
Tournament wins:
- U.S. Women’s Open titles
- Nabisco Dinah Shores/Kraft Nabisco Championships
- du Maurier Classics
- 31 LPGA Tour wins
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
- LPGA Player of the Year
- Solheim Cup
Sandra Haynie
Sandra Haynie is a significant figure in women’s golf, her impact on the sport was recognized with her induction into this prestigious hall of fame. Despite missing several prime years due to injuries, she also achieved remarkable financial success in her career.
Tournament wins:
- 42 LPGA Tour wins
- LPGA Championship
- U.S. Women’s Open
- du Maurier Classic
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
- LPGA Player of the Year
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Amy Alcott
Amy Alcott is a legendary figure in the world of golf, known for her creative shot-making, infectious personality, and impressive career achievements. Here is a closer look at her remarkable journey:
Tournament wins:
- Nabisco Dinah Shore (now the Chevron Championship)
- U.S. Women’s Open
- Peter Jackson Classic (later renamed the du Maurier Classic)
- 32 LPGA Tour wins
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- LPGA Hall of Fame
- Vare Trophy
- LPGA Player of the Year
- California Golf Writers Association Female Golfer of the Year
- Golf Magazine Player of the Year
- Mickey Wright Award
- LPGA Founders Cup Award
Betsy Rawls
Betsy Rawls among the top winners in LPGA history, showcasing her sustained excellence throughout her career. She also served as the president of the LPGA Tour from 1961 to 1962, playing a crucial role in its development and growth.
Betsy topped the LPGA money list twice (1952, 1959), proving her dominance both in wins and earnings.
Tournament wins:
- 55 LPGA Tour wins
- U.S. Women’s Open
- LPGA Championship
- Western Open
- Vare Trophy
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
- LPGA Hall of Fame inductee
Beth Daniel
Beth Daniel’s commitment to the sport is evident in her remarkable longevity, remaining competitive for nearly three decades. By topping the LPGA money list in 1980, 1981, and 1990, Beth proved herself not only a winner but also a top earner.
Tournament wins:
- 33 LPGA Tour wins
- LPGA Championship
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
- LPGA Hall of Fame inductee
- Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year
- Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year
Se Ri Pak
During the 1998 U.S. Women’s Open, Se Ri Pak’s dramatic chip-in shot from a water hazard to force a playoff remains a legendary moment in golf history.
This victory propelled her to international fame and sparked a surge of interest in golf in her native South Korea.
Tournament wins:
- 25 LPGA Tour wins
- U.S. Women’s Open titles
- LPGA Championship (now called the Women’s PGA Championship)
- Women’s British Open
Awards and Recognitions:
- First Korean golfer to win an LPGA major
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee:
- LPGA Rookie of the Year
- GWAA Female Player of the Year
- PGA Vare Trophy (low scoring average)
- Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year
Carol Mann
One of the hottest female golfers Carol Mann has won 38 LPGA Tour and this places her among the most successful golfers of her era, showcasing her sustained excellence throughout her career. She climbed to the top of the professional rankings in 1969, solidifying her place among the best golfers in the world.
Tournament wins:
- 38 LPGA Tour wins
- Women’s Western Open
- Corpus Christi Civitan Open
Awards and Recognitions:
- Vare Trophy
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
Hollis Stacy
Hollis Stacy is a legendary American golfer who left a lasting impact on the sport with her exceptional talent and dedication. Here’s a glimpse into her impressive achievements:
Tournament wins:
- 18 LPGA Tour Victories
- U.S. Women’s Open
- Peter Jackson Classic
- Shopko Great Lakes Classic
Awards and Recognitions:
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- LPGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award
- Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- Savannah Sportswriter’s Association Female Athlete of the Year
- Hollis Stacy Award
Jan Stephenson
Jan Stephenson is another legendary figure and one of the most famous female golfers in the world, known for her impressive playing career, entrepreneurial ventures, and dedication to giving back. Here’s a breakdown of her achievements, awards, and recognitions:
Tournament wins:
- 16 LPGA Tour wins
- U.S. Open Championship
- Women’s British Open
- LPGA Championship
Awards and Recognitions:
- LPGA Rolex Rookie of the Year
- World Golf Hall of Fame
- Lady Golfer of the Year
- ESPN ESPY Award for Best Female Golfer
- Florida Sports Hall of Fame
Cristie Kerr
One of the hot female golfers Cristie Kerr, a captivating player in the world of professional golf, has built a remarkable career marked by amazing wins, unwavering resilience, and a passionate dedication to charitable causes. Here is a glimpse into her achievements:
Tournament wins:
- 20 LPGA Tour wins
- U.S. Women’s Open
- LPGA Championship
Awards and Recognitions:
- Number 1 ranking in the Women’s World Golf Rankings
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee
- LPGA Tour Rolex Player of the Year
- LPGA Tour Vare Trophy
- Charles Bartlett Award