Mickey Wright, born Mary Kathryn Wright on February 14, 1935, in San Diego, California, was an American professional golfer whose career on the LPGA Tour left an indelible mark on the sport. Joining the tour in 1955, Wright quickly established herself as a formidable competitor, accumulating an impressive 82 LPGA Tour career event victories. This remarkable achievement places her second on the all-time win list, a testament to her consistent excellence
and enduring skill throughout her professional journey. Her career was characterized by a period of sustained dominance that few others in golf history have matched.
A Legacy of Victories and Major Championships
Wright's 82 LPGA Tour wins are a cornerstone of her legacy, but her performance in major championships further solidifies her status as one of golf's greats. She secured 13 major championship titles, a total that positions her second only to Patty Berg, who holds 15 major victories. These major wins were not just numerous; they were concentrated within a relatively short period, with all 13 occurring between 1958 and 1966. This intense period of success highlights her ability to perform under the highest pressure and on the biggest stages in women's golf.Her major championship victories include multiple wins at prestigious events such as the Western Open (1962, 1963, 1966), the Titleholders Championship (1961, 1962), and the LPGA Championship (1958, 1960, 1961, 1963). She also claimed the U.S. Women's Open title four times (1958, 1959, 1961, 1964). A unique highlight of her career is that she is the only player in LPGA Tour history to simultaneously hold all four major titles, a feat that underscores her extraordinary command of the game during her peak years.
Financial Success and Record-Breaking Performances
Mickey Wright's dominance extended beyond just tournament wins; she also consistently topped the LPGA money list. She led the tour in earnings for four consecutive seasons, from 1961 to 1964, demonstrating her financial success alongside her competitive achievements. Furthermore, she made the top ten on the money list a remarkable thirteen times between 1956 and 1969, showcasing her sustained high level of play across more than a decade.Her career was also marked by record-breaking individual performances. At the inaugural Tall City Open in 1964, Wright shot an astonishing 62 in the third and final round. This score was, at the time, the lowest in LPGA Tour history. Notably, this achievement occurred on a course, Hogan Park in Midland, Texas, where the men's record at that time was 66, further emphasizing the exceptional nature of her round. Her victory at the Tall City Open is also tied for the largest final-round comeback in LPGA history, overcoming a 10-shot deficit to win.
Enduring Influence and Retirement
Wright's impact on golf was recognized by her peers and experts alike. Legendary golfer Ben Hogan famously remarked that her swing was the best he had ever seen, a high compliment from one of the sport's most revered figures. Her consistent excellence is also reflected in her winning at least one LPGA title for 14 straight seasons, from 1956 to 1969, a testament to her longevity and competitive drive.Despite her immense success, Wright retired from full-time golf at the relatively young age of 34 in 1969. Her decision was primarily due to problems with her feet, though she did compete occasionally after her retirement. She later resided in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and continued to play recreational golf from time to time. A breast cancer survivor, Mickey Wright passed away on February 17, 2020, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most dominant and respected figures in the history of professional golf.
