Golf great Mickey Wright passes away

Wright, who accumulated 82 LPGA Tour titles during a career which stretched from 1954 to 1969, died in Florida

FILE - In this July 1, 1961 file photo, Mickey Wright poses after winning her third Women's National Open golf championship, at the Baltusrol Golf Club at Springfield, N.J. Hall of Fame golfer Wright, who won 82 LPGA tournaments including 13 majors, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, of a heart attack, her attorney said. Wright was 85. (AP Photo/File)

Thirteen-time Major winner Mickey Wright, often described as the greatest woman golfer of all time, died aged 85.

Wright, who accumulated 82 LPGA Tour titles during a professional career which stretched from 1954 to 1969, died in Florida after a heart attack, reports said on Monday.

“We’re saddened to learn today of the passing of Mickey Wright, a 13-time Major Champion and 82-time winner on the @LPGA, just three days after celebrating her birthday,” the World Golf Hall of Fame announced on Twitter. “One of the best to ever play the game, she will be greatly missed. #RIPMickey.”

Born Mary Kathryn Wright in San Diego, California in 1935, Wright enjoyed a stellar amateur career which included a US Girls Junior Championship in 1952.

She won the 1954 World Amateur Championship before turning professional the following season.

Her haul of 13 Major victories included four US Women’s Open titles and four US Women’s PGA Championships. Only Patty Berg, who had 15 Major wins, has won more.

Her retirement in 1969 shocked women’s golf, coming at the relatively early age of 34.