What Is 12th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 12th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1957, was a pivotal moment in the history of women's professional golf. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), this championship was part of the growing recognition of women's golf during the mid-20th century. It marked the continuation of a tradition that began in 1946, establishing the U.S. Women's Open as one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

That year, the tournament was hosted at the Strathmore Country Club in Manhasset, New York, a course known for its challenging layout and rich history in hosting elite golf events. The event attracted many of the top female golfers of the era, including multiple past champions and rising stars. With a field of over 100 players, the competition was fierce, and the outcome remained uncertain until the final holes.

The 1957 U.S. Women's Open was significant not only for its competitive drama but also for its role in advancing women's sports during a time when female athletes received limited recognition. Marlene Hagge, just 23 years old at the time, claimed her first and only U.S. Women's Open title, becoming the youngest woman to win the championship up to that point. Her victory underscored the emergence of a new generation of golfers and helped inspire greater investment and media coverage in women's golf.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is a 72-hole stroke play championship conducted annually by the USGA, open to both amateur and professional female golfers who qualify through sectional tournaments. The 1957 edition followed this format, with four rounds played over three days due to scheduling practices of the era. Players competed for the title, prize money, and the honor of being crowned national champion.

• Qualification: Players earned entry through sectional qualifying events held across the U.S. or by exemption based on past performance. In 1957, exemptions were granted to previous champions and top finishers from prior Opens.
• Format: The tournament consisted of four rounds of 18 holes each, totaling 72 holes. The 1957 event was completed over three days: 18 holes on July 11, 36 on July 12, and the final 18 on July 13.
• Scoring: Stroke play determined the winner, with the lowest total score winning. In 1957, the winning score was 301 (+13), reflecting the difficulty of the course and weather conditions.
• Venue: Strathmore Country Club, a par-72 layout, hosted the event. Its narrow fairways and fast greens tested precision and mental toughness.
• Prize Money: The total purse in 1957 was $10,000, with the winner receiving $1,500—a significant sum at the time but modest by modern standards.
• Participants: The field included legends like Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright, and Patty Berg, making it one of the most competitive Opens to date.
• USGA Oversight: The USGA enforced strict rules, managed scoring, and ensured course conditions were consistent with championship standards, including pin placements and turf maintenance.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison above highlights the evolution of the U.S. Women's Open over nearly five decades. By 1957, the tournament had already matured significantly since its 1946 debut, with more structured qualifying, better-known venues, and increased media attention. The winning score in 1957 was lower than in 1946, reflecting improvements in player skill and equipment. Meanwhile, the 1995 edition demonstrates the professionalization of the sport, with vastly higher prize money and international participation. The 12th Open, therefore, sits at a crucial midpoint—transitioning from a regional event to a national institution.

Real-World Examples

The 1957 U.S. Women's Open featured several memorable performances beyond the champion. Betsy Rawls, a four-time Open winner, finished just one stroke behind Hagge, highlighting the tight competition. Mickey Wright, then 22, placed in the top ten, foreshadowing her future dominance in the 1960s. The weather played a role as well, with rain affecting the course conditions on the second day, forcing players to adapt quickly.

1. Marlene Hagge – Won with a final-round 74, holding off challenges from Rawls and Wright.
2. Betsy Rawls – Finished second at 302; had previously won in 1951 and 1953.
3. Patty Berg – A founding member of the LPGA, finished in a tie for fifth.
4. Louise Suggs – Another LPGA pioneer, placed sixth, showcasing her consistency.

Why It Matters

The 12th U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the broader movement for gender equality in sports. At a time when women's athletics were often underfunded and underreported, events like this provided visibility and legitimacy to female athletes. Hagge’s victory, in particular, inspired young girls to take up golf and demonstrated that women could compete at the highest levels.

• Impact: Helped elevate the LPGA, which was founded in 1950, by increasing public interest and sponsorship opportunities.
• Legacy: Marlene Hagge became a role model, especially as one of the youngest winners in Open history at the time.
• Media Coverage: The tournament received coverage in Sports Illustrated and major newspapers, expanding its reach.
• Historical Context: Occurred during the early years of the civil rights movement, adding symbolic weight to achievements by women.
• Evolution of the Sport: Showcased advancements in training, equipment, and competition format that would shape future Opens.

Today, the 1957 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not only for its dramatic finish but also for its contribution to the foundation of modern women's golf. It stands as a testament to perseverance, skill, and the slow but steady progress toward equal recognition in sports.