What Is 11th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 11th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1956, stands as a pivotal moment in the history of women’s professional golf. Conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), this championship was the first to implement an 18-hole playoff to determine the winner, setting a precedent for future tournaments. It marked a turning point in competitive structure and visibility for women in golf, occurring during a formative era for the sport.

Hosted at the Forest Hills Golf Club in Nutley, New Jersey, the tournament attracted a strong field of both amateur and professional golfers. Among the top contenders were legends like Louise Suggs, a founding member of the LPGA and multiple major champion, and Betty Jameson, a dominant amateur player of the era. The course, known for its tree-lined fairways and challenging greens, tested players’ precision and composure under pressure.

The 1956 U.S. Women's Open was significant not only for its competitive drama but also for its role in advancing the legitimacy of women’s golf. With a total purse of $7,000—a modest sum by today’s standards but notable for the time—it reflected the growing, albeit slow, investment in women’s sports. The victory by Kathy Cornelius, a relatively lesser-known professional, underscored the depth of talent in the field and highlighted the unpredictable nature of major championships.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under a rigorous format designed to identify the most consistent and resilient golfer over four days of stroke play. In 1956, the tournament followed a standard 72-hole format, with the lowest total score winning. When multiple players tied for the lead after regulation, the USGA implemented an 18-hole playoff—a first in the event’s history.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: Players compete over four rounds of 18 holes each. The golfer with the lowest cumulative score wins. In 1956, this format tested endurance and consistency under challenging conditions.
• Playoff Procedure: The 1956 event introduced an 18-hole playoff to break ties. Previously, ties were allowed to stand, but this year’s three-way deadlock necessitated a decisive round.
• Eligibility: Open to both amateur and professional female golfers worldwide. Players must qualify or receive exemptions based on performance or ranking.
• Course Setup: The USGA designs the course to emphasize precision, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens. At Forest Hills, par was set at 72, and scoring was tightly bunched.
• Scoring and Leaderboard: Scores are updated in real time, though in 1956, updates were manual and posted on scoreboards. Media coverage was limited compared to today’s live broadcasts.
• Prize Distribution: The winner received $1,500 from a $7,000 purse. While small by modern standards, it was a significant achievement for female athletes in the 1950s.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison between the 1956 and modern U.S. Women's Opens reveals dramatic evolution in scale, competitiveness, and financial support. In 1956, Kathy Cornelius won with a score of 301 (+13), reflecting the difficulty of the course and equipment limitations of the era. By contrast, modern champions often finish under par due to advances in training, technology, and course management. The prize money has increased exponentially—from $1,500 to $1.8 million—highlighting the growing commercial and cultural value of women’s golf. The playoff format has also evolved, shifting from a full 18-hole round to a faster, more viewer-friendly two-hole aggregate system. These changes reflect broader societal shifts toward gender equity and professional sports investment.

Real-World Examples

The 1956 U.S. Women's Open provided several memorable moments that illustrated the tension and drama of championship golf. Kathy Cornelius, a 25-year-old professional from Minnesota, entered the final round trailing but shot a gritty **76** to finish at 301, tying with Betty Jameson and Louise Suggs. The ensuing playoff was a historic first, drawing attention from national media and helping to elevate the profile of women’s golf. Cornelius’ composure under pressure, especially given her relative inexperience compared to her rivals, made her victory all the more remarkable.

The tournament also showcased the depth of talent in women’s golf at the time. Despite not winning, the presence of legends like Suggs and Jameson lent credibility to the event. The playoff format added suspense and narrative appeal, a lesson later adopted by other major championships. Below are four key examples from the 1956 event:

1. Kathy Cornelius’ Final Round 76: A high-pressure performance that forced a tie and set up the historic playoff.
2. Three-Way Tie at 301: The first time the U.S. Women's Open ended in a tie, prompting the USGA to formalize playoff rules.
3. Louise Suggs’ Playoff 78: A rare off-day for the veteran, highlighting the pressure of sudden-death formats.
4. Media Coverage Expansion: Newspapers like The New York Times gave front-page coverage, increasing public awareness.

Why It Matters

The 11th U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the struggle for recognition and equity in women’s sports. By introducing a playoff and crowning an underdog champion, it captured the imagination of fans and signaled that women’s golf could deliver drama and excellence on par with men’s events. Its legacy endures in the structure of modern championships and the ongoing fight for equal prize money and media coverage.

• Historic First: The first playoff in U.S. Women's Open history, setting a precedent for future tiebreakers.
• Underdog Victory: Kathy Cornelius’ win demonstrated that talent could emerge from outside the established elite.
• Media Impact: Increased press coverage helped normalize women’s professional sports in mainstream culture.
• USGA Innovation: The playoff rule change showed the organization’s willingness to adapt for fairness and excitement.
• Foundation for Growth: The event contributed to the LPGA’s credibility and long-term sustainability.

Today, the U.S. Women's Open is one of the most prestigious events in women’s golf, with global reach and multi-million-dollar purses. Yet its roots trace back to moments like the 1956 championship, where determination, innovation, and visibility converged. The story of Kathy Cornelius and the Forest Hills playoff remains a testament to the enduring power of sport to inspire change and celebrate achievement.