Golf’s Greatest Rivalries – A Look at Competitive Stories – Part 2 – Women’s Rivalries
By Ken Martin, Keiser University College of Golf Professor and PGA Certified Professional
Rivalry is the heartbeat of sports, injecting drama, passion, and excitement into the fabric of competition. For this article, rivalry is defined as a competition for superiority in the same field. In golf, a sport where precision, strategy, and mental fortitude are paramount, rivalries have played a pivotal role in shaping its history and captivating fans worldwide.
From the fairways of St. Andrews to the greens of Augusta, golfers have engaged in battles that transcend mere scores, creating narratives that resonate across generations. While golf is often seen as a gentleman’s game, it has also served as the stage for some of the most intense and lasting rivalries among women. Since there is a lot to review, this article is a follow-up to Part 1, which focuses on men’s rivals. These rivalries are not just about who wins or loses but about the stories they tell—stories of ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
In women’s golf, rivalries like Annika Sorenstam vs. Karrie Webb and Mickey Wright vs. Kathy Whitworth have showcased the depth of talent and determination among female golfers, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. This article examines the origins, major moments, and lasting impact of various rivalries in golf. Reviewing these competitive stories can provide a deeper understanding of the human element that makes golf so captivating.
Women’s Golf Rivalries
Babe Zaharias vs. Patty Berg: The Founders
Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Patty Berg were pioneers of women’s golf, playing a key role in the founding of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in 1950. Zaharias, already a renowned athlete in other sports, turned to golf and quickly became one of its stars, winning 10 major championships. Berg, with 15 majors, was equally accomplished and helped organize the early tours.
Key Moments:
- Their rivalry was part of the broader effort to professionalize women’s golf and gain recognition for female athletes.
- Both competed in the early days of the LPGA, setting the stage for future competitions.
- In the 1948 Western Open, Berg defeated Didrikson Zaharias, coming back from a four-hole deficit to win on the 37th hole of a heated overtime battle.
- The Weathervane Championship was a series of golf tournaments on the LPGA Tour from 1950 to 1953, known formally as the Cross Country 144 Hole Weathervane. Sponsored by the Weathervane Apparel Company, it provided crucial financial support for the fledgling tour.
- Babe Zaharias won the inaugural event, with Berg finishing second.
- In the 1951 Weathervane Championship, Patty Berg defeated Babe Didrikson Zaharias in the final match. The victory came after the two legendary golfers played a 36-hole playoff, which Berg won by a single stroke. That’s right, a 144-hole tournament was won by one stroke after a 36-hole playoff!
Significance
The contributions of Berg and Zaharias were instrumental in growing the sport for both men and women. They are remembered as legends who established the foundation of women’s professional golf for future generations.
Mickey Wright vs. Kathy Whitworth: Pioneers of Women’s Golf
Mickey Wright and Kathy Whitworth were the dominant forces in women’s golf during the 1960s and early 1970s. Wright, with 82 LPGA Tour wins, and Whitworth, with 88, hold second and first place, respectively, for most wins on the LPGA Tour.
Key Moments:
- Their rivalry was intense, with Wright winning 13 majors to Whitworth’s 6.
- From 1958 through 1973, they led the LPGA in victories 13 times.
- Wright was known for her powerful swing and accuracy, while Whitworth was celebrated for her consistency and putting.
Significance
This rivalry played a pivotal role in establishing women’s golf as an exciting professional sport, with both players setting standards of excellence that remain revered today.
Annika Sorenstam vs. Karrie Webb: Dominance at the Turn of the Century
Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb dominated women’s golf in the late 1990s and early 2000s, creating one of the most compelling rivalries in golf history. Sorenstam, from Sweden, and Webb, from Australia, both turned professional in the early 1990s and quickly rose to the top of the LPGA Tour ranks.
Key Moments:
- Between 1995 and 1999, they combined to win 34 LPGA Tour titles, with Sorenstam winning 18 and Webb 16.
- In 2000, Webb had a standout year, winning 7 titles, including the U.S. Women’s Open, while Sorenstam won 5.
- From 2001 to 2006, Sorenstam embarked on a period of unprecedented dominance, winning 46 titles and eight majors, including a streak of 59 consecutive weeks as the world No. 1.
Significance
Their rivalry was marked by mutual respect and a drive to excel, pushing each other to new heights. Both players hold numerous records and have been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Their battles helped elevate the profile of women’s golf and inspired a new generation of players.
Se Ri Pak versus The World
Se Ri Pak’s primary rivals during her career were dominant players like Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb. However, her most historically significant opponent was amateur golfer Jenny Chuasiriporn, whom she defeated in a dramatic 1998 U.S. Women’s Open playoff.
Se Ri Pak’s Rivals
Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb: The rivalry between Pak and Sorenstam was a consistent theme of women’s golf in the early 2000s, as they, along with Karrie Webb, were the most dominant players on the LPGA Tour. While Sorenstam often held the top ranking, Pak frequently challenged her and was often a critical roadblock to Sorenstam’s bids for major titles. The two had numerous head-to-head battles, including Pak’s 2002 Office Depot Championship win over Sorenstam, and Sorenstam’s victory over Pak at the 2003 Women’s British Open. Webb was a fierce competitor who battled Pak and Sorenstam for major championships and rankings dominance. Jenny Chuasiriporn was not a professional rival, but the iconic 1998 U.S. Women’s Open playoff she played against Pak marked the beginning of Pak’s monumental significance. Chuasiriporn was an American amateur who took Pak to a 20-hole playoff, and the suspenseful showdown captivated a global audience.
Significance
Sparking the Se Ri Kids movement: Pak’s most significant legacy was inspiring an entire generation of South Korean girls to take up golf, often referred to as the Se Ri Kids. Her success, especially her 1998 U.S. Women’s Open victory, showed that Korean women could compete and win on the international stage.
- The rise of Korean golf: Following her example, dozens of Korean golfers entered the LPGA and have since dominated the tour. In the years following her breakthrough, the number of South Koreans in the top 50 of the world rankings increased significantly.
- Economic impact: Her success drove a boom in the South Korean golf industry, attracting major corporate sponsorship and fostering a new generation of golf academies and coaches.
- Pak’s international appeal, combined with the subsequent wave of Korean players, boosted the LPGA’s global profile.
- Stabilizing the tour: Her influence, along with the growing Asian market, helped stabilize the LPGA during financially difficult years, providing crucial sponsorship dollars and television rights revenue.
- Globalization of golf: Pak’s success inspired players from other Asian countries, such as Thailand and Japan, to pursue professional golf, contributing to the tour’s diversity.
- A source of national pride: Her success provided a sense of pride for a nation recovering from the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
- Recognized achievements: The South Korean government has awarded her the Order of Merit for her achievements. Her status as a cultural hero was cemented with the dedication of a statue in her hometown.
Lorena Ochoa vs. Annika Sorenstam: The Changing Guard
As Annika Sorenstam approached the end of her career, Lorena Ochoa emerged as a new dominant force in women’s golf. Ochoa, from Mexico, won 27 LPGA Tour titles, including two majors, and was the world No. 1 for 158 weeks.
Key Moments:
- Their rivalry was brief but significant, with Ochoa winning the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship and the 2008 McDonald’s LPGA Championship, while Sorenstam retired after the 2008 season.
- Ochoa’s rise marked a change of the guard in women’s golf, showcasing the depth of talent in the sport.
Significance
This rivalry highlighted the global growth of women’s golf, with Ochoa’s success inspiring players from diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
Golf’s greatest rivalries among women have not only fueled exciting competition but have also significantly contributed to the sport’s growth and popularity. From the charismatic battles of Babe and Patty to the record-breaking accomplishments of Sorenstam and Webb, and the global influence of Se Ri Pak, these rivalries have enriched golf’s history. As new talents emerge, the spirit of competition and the drive to succeed will continue fueling these rivalries, making golf so captivating. What do you think? Is there a dominant player on the horizon for women’s golf?
