Golf is a sport that has been dominated by men for many years. However, over the past few decades, there has been a significant rise in the number of women playing golf at both amateur and professional levels. As a result, we have seen some incredible female golfers emerge and make their mark on the sport. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best female golfers of all time.
1. Annika Sorenstam
Annika Sorenstam is arguably the greatest female golfer in history. She held the number one spot in the Women's World Golf Rankings for a record 60 weeks and won a total of 93 international tournaments, including 10 major championships. Sorenstam was also the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event since Babe Zaharias in 1945, further solidifying her status as one of the absolute best female golfers ever.
2. Mickey Wright
Mickey Wright was a dominant force in women's golf during the 1950s and 1960s, winning 82 LPGA titles and 13 major championships. She was known for her smooth swing and accuracy on the course, which helped her achieve an impressive career Grand Slam. Wright's record of 82 LPGA victories still stands as the second-highest in history.
3. Patty Berg
Patty Berg is a pioneer in women's golf, being one of the founding members of the LPGA and serving as its first president. She won an astounding 60 LPGA tournaments, including 15 major championships. Berg was known for her strong mental game and consistency on the course, making her one of the best female golfers of all time.
4. Babe Zaharias
Babe Zaharias was not only a top golfer but also an all-around athlete, excelling in multiple sports such as basketball, track and field, and baseball. She won a total of 41 LPGA tournaments and 10 major championships. Zaharias' impressive athleticism and competitive spirit made her one of the most feared competitors on the course.
5. Nancy Lopez
Nancy Lopez burst onto the LPGA scene in 1978, winning nine tournaments in her first full year as a professional. She would go on to win a total of 48 LPGA events and three major championships throughout her career. Lopez was known for her smooth swing and ability to handle pressure, making her one of the best female golfers ever.
6. Karrie Webb
Karrie Webb is one of the most successful international players in LPGA history, hailing from Australia. She has a total of 41 LPGA victories and seven major championships under her belt. Webb was known for her aggressive style of play and ability to consistently perform at a high level, earning her a spot among the top female golfers of all time.
7. Louise Suggs
Louise Suggs was one of the original 13 founders of the LPGA and a dominant force in women's golf during the 1940s and 1950s. She won 61 LPGA titles, including 11 major championships, and was known for her powerful swing and fierce competitiveness on the course. Suggs' contributions to women's golf paved the way for future generations of female golfers.
8. Se Ri Pak
Se Ri Pak is known for popularizing women's golf in her home country of South Korea. She won a total of 25 LPGA tournaments, including five major championships, and was the first Korean player to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Pak's success on the course inspired a generation of talented South Korean players who have dominated the LPGA in recent years.
9. Inbee Park
Inbee Park is another top female golfer from South Korea and holds the record for the most major championship wins by a Korean player, with seven titles. She has a total of 21 LPGA victories and was ranked number one in the world for a combined 92 weeks throughout her career. Park's accuracy and putting prowess have made her one of the best golfers on tour.
10. Lorena Ochoa
Lorena Ochoa is the most successful Mexican golfer in history, winning 27 LPGA tournaments and two major championships. She held the number one spot in the Women's World Golf Rankings for a total of 158 weeks and was known for her consistent play and strong short game. Ochoa retired from professional golf at a young age, but her impact on the sport will never be forgotten.
These are just 10 of the many incredible female golfers who have left their mark on the sport. As more and more women continue to take up golf, we can only expect to see even more talented players emerge and add to this list of the absolute best female golfers of all time. Golf truly is a sport for everyone, and these women prove that with hard work, determination, and skill, anything is possible. So go ahead and hit the greens - maybe you'll become one of the top female golfers in the world someday too! Keep practicing and never give up on your dreams. Happy golfing!