Golf Legend’s Legacy Inspires LPGA Hopefuls

The Kathy Whitworth ‘88’ Expected to Host Approximately 100 Young Professional Golfers in their Quest to Advance

Approximately 100 professional female golfers are headed to North Texas July 17-20 to compete in the Kathy Whitworth ‘88’ tournament.  Hosted by the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour, the event will allow these young women – among the best of the LPGA hopefuls—an opportunity to advance their careers and follow in Kathy Whitworth’s footsteps.

Registration is open now with national and international contenders signing up for the tournament to be played at the Trophy Club CC in Trophy Club, Texas.  Competitors are expected from Hawaii, Japan, Korea, and all over the United States and Canada. Registrants may sign up at wapt.bluegolf.com .

Now in its sixth year, the Kathy Whitworth ‘88’ has been renamed in honor of the champion’s 88 tournament wins, the most of any professional golfer-male or female -- in history. That’s six more than both Tiger Woods and Sam Snead.  She was also LPGA Player of the Year seven times and was the first female player to win more than $1 million in prize money.

“Kathy Whitworth was the greatest winner in all of golf,” says Kathy Whitworth ‘88’ Tournament Director Cathy Harbin. “Still, she had a humble beginning and that always motivated her to help others.”

In her earliest years Kathy struggled. After a few months on the LPGA tour, she found herself questioning her path amidst financial difficulties. Her family called her home to discuss her options. Sitting at their kitchen table, they along with local business leaders and friends, urged her to persevere. Not only did they provide emotional support, but they also pledged financial assistance for the next three years, enabling Kathy to focus wholeheartedly on achieving success on the LPGA circuit.  The rest is history.

In turn, Kathy’s accomplishment led her to a lifelong commitment to champion other young women working to make the leap to the LPGA.

“Kathy loved the Women’s All Pro Tour and the opportunity it provided young women to follow their dreams,” Cathy Harbin says.

Additionally, a KW ‘88’ Gift Award is given each year to two outstanding young professionals. To be eligible, the candidates must have played in a Kathy Whitworth championship tournament and have been a part of the WAPT tour.

“The monetary portion of this award is helpful to the two young ladies,” says Kathy Whitworth Foundation Chair Bettye Odle. “However, it is perhaps even more meaningful to them to have a lifelong connection to Kathy Whitworth and her legacy.”

There are also many opportunities for others to participate in the Kathy Whitworth ‘88’.

A Pro-Am tournament will take place on July 16. Unlike other pro-am events, the professional player will ride along with the amateurs in the golf cart.

Also, the ANNIKA WAPT has several needs for volunteers during the tournament week including starters, spotters, player hospitality, and scoring. Every role is designed to be fun and provides opportunities to interact with the pros.

In addition to volunteer hours that may be added to their high school resumes, all student participants will receive a certificate honoring their contribution.  

Questions?  Call or email Diana S. Gats at vpt@dianagats.com or 330-309-4918.

Sign up today at https://www.signupgenius.com/org/2024KWC#/

And learn more about the Kathy Whitworth ‘88’ by visiting https://kathy-whitworth-88.perfectgolfevent.com/

For your calendar:

Who: Approximately 100 aspiring LPGA golfers

What: Kathy Whitworth ‘88’ Championship, hosted by the ANNIKA WAPT, in collaboration with golf legend Annika Sorenstam and the ANNIKA Foundation.

When: July 17-20, 2024

Where: Trophy Club Country Club, 500 Trophy Club Dr, Trophy Club, TX 76262

Visuals: Stunning vistas and top professional players.  Regularly named among the top country clubs in Dallas-Fort Worth by Avid Golfer, Trophy Club is proud to be the home of two world-class golf courses, each honoring legendary golfers Kathy Whitworth and Ben Hogan.

More information: https://kathy-whitworth-88.perfectgolfevent.com