Christy Kite, wife of World Golf Hall-of-Famer Tom Kite, passed away Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Champions Tour president Greg McLaughlin sent a tweet Saturday confirming the news:
The Champions Tour family mourns the passing of Christy Kite last evening. Our thoughts and prayers go to Tom and the entire Kite family.
— Greg McLaughlin (@CTourGMac) January 24, 2015
Kite was eligible to play in this week’s season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship, but he declined to participate. A funeral service for Mrs. Kite will be held Tuesday in Austin, Texas.
McLaughlin confirmed that black ribbons were provided on the first tee Saturday at Hualalai for players and guests to wear in support of Kite, whose 19 PGA Tour wins included the 1992 U.S. Open.