Mickey Wright Biography And Wiki
Mary Kathryn “Mickey” Wright, born on February 14, 1935, in San Diego, California, is considered one of the greatest female golfers of all time. She began playing golf at 12 and won the U.S. Girls’ Junior title in 1952. Mickey attended Stanford University for a year before turning professional in 1955, joining the LPGA Tour. Throughout her career, she won 82 LPGA Tour events, including 13 major championships.
Birthday and Death
Mickey Wright was born on February 14, 1935, and passed away on February 17, 2020, three days after celebrating her 85th birthday.
Height
Mickey Wright stood 5 feet 9 inches (1.76 meters) tall.
Education Background
Mickey Wright studied psychology at Stanford University for a year before choosing to turn professional in golf. She left the university before finishing her degree to pursue her golfing career.
Nationality And Ethnicity
Mickey Wright was American, having been born in San Diego, California. She was of White ethnicity.
Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works
Milestones
- 82 LPGA Tour Victories: Mickey Wright achieved 82 victories on the LPGA Tour, cementing her place as one of the most successful golfers in history.
- 13 Major Championships: She won 13 major championships, which included four U.S. Women’s Open titles and four LPGA Championship titles.
- Vare Trophy: Wright won the Vare Trophy five times (1960-1964) for having the best yearlong scoring average on the LPGA Tour.
- Hall of Fame Inductions: She was inducted into several prestigious halls of fame: the LPGA Hall of Fame (1964), World Golf Hall of Fame (1976), International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame (1981), and PGA of America Hall of Fame (2017).
Significant Contributions
- Influence on Women’s Golf: Wright’s powerful swing and success helped elevate the status of women’s golf, inspiring a new generation of female golfers.
- Record-Breaking Performances: She set multiple records, including a then-record low score of 62 during the final round of the 1964 Tall City Open.
- Mentorship and Legacy: Wright, known for her exceptional swing, mentored many aspiring golfers throughout her career.
Notable Works
- Books and Instructional Videos: While she did not write books, Mickey Wright’s instructional videos and clinics have been widely praised for their valuable insights into golf techniques.
Husband and Children
Mickey Wright chose to remain single throughout her life, dedicating herself fully to her golf career. As a result, she never married and did not have children.
Legacy
Pioneering Women’s Golf
- Considered one of the greatest female golfers of all time.
- Elevated the profile of women’s golf through her success.
- Set a new standard for excellence with her powerful and graceful swing.
- Became a role model for aspiring golfers, inspiring young athletes, both male and female.
Impact on the Sport
- Holds 82 LPGA Tour victories and 13 major championships, with her records still standing.
- The only LPGA player to hold all four major titles at once.
- Her swing was regarded as one of the best in golf history, admired by golfers like Ben Hogan.
- Instructional videos and clinics contributed to the development of golf techniques.
Honors and Recognition
- Inducted into multiple Hall of Fames, including the World Golf Hall of Fame and the LPGA Hall of Fame.
- Received prestigious awards like the Bob Jones Award and Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.
Career
Mickey Wright began her professional career in 1954 at the age of 19, following a successful amateur run. She had already won the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship in 1952 and the World Amateur Championship in 1954, marking her as one of the brightest young talents in golf.
Throughout her career on the LPGA Tour, Wright achieved remarkable success. She won 82 LPGA Tour events, ranking second on the all-time wins list, just behind Kathy Whitworth. Her dominance on the tour solidified her as one of the greatest golfers in history.
Wright’s success was particularly highlighted by her 13 major championship victories. She claimed four U.S. Women’s Open titles in 1958, 1959, 1961, and 1964, as well as four LPGA Championship titles in 1958, 1960, 1961, and 1963, showcasing her consistency in the biggest tournaments.
A unique achievement in Wright’s career was her record of holding all four major titles simultaneously, a feat that remains unmatched in LPGA history. This remarkable accomplishment cemented her place as one of the greatest players to ever compete in the sport.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Mickey Wright’s net worth was estimated to range from $100,000 to $1 million. Although this amount may appear modest in comparison to today’s athletes, it’s crucial to consider that her career unfolded during an earlier era in golf, and her earnings reflect the standards of that time.
Major Achievements
Major Championship Victories
13 Major Championships: Mickey Wright captured 13 major championships, including:
- U.S. Women’s Open: 1958, 1959, 1961, 1964
- LPGA Championship: 1958, 1960, 1961, 1963
- Titleholders Championship: 1961, 1962
LPGA Tour Wins
82 LPGA Tour Victories: Wright secured 82 LPGA Tour victories, placing her second on the all-time wins list, just behind Kathy Whitworth.
Awards and Honors
Vare Trophy: She won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average on the LPGA Tour five times (1960-1964).
Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year: Named AP Female Athlete of the Year in 1963 and 1964.
Golf Hall of Fame Inductions: Wright was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame (1976), LPGA Hall of Fame (1964), International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame (1981), and PGA of America Hall of Fame (2017).
Read More: Wikipedia
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