What Is 13th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 13th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1958, was a pivotal moment in the history of women's professional golf. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), this championship marked the continuation of a prestigious tournament that began in 1946 as a successor to the Women's Western Open. The U.S. Women's Open quickly established itself as one of the most demanding and respected events in women's golf, known for its strict qualifying standards and challenging course setups.

That year, the tournament was hosted at the Forest Lake Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a course renowned for its tree-lined fairways and fast greens. The 1958 edition was particularly notable for the emergence of Mickey Wright, who claimed her first U.S. Women's Open title in dramatic fashion. Wright, just 23 years old at the time, was already gaining recognition for her powerful swing and consistent play, but this victory solidified her status as a dominant force in women's golf.

The 13th U.S. Women's Open was also significant because it occurred during a transitional period in women's sports, when female athletes were beginning to gain greater visibility and respect. With legends like Betsy Rawls, Louise Suggs, and Babe Zaharias still active, the competition was fierce. Wright's win signaled a changing of the guard and foreshadowed her eventual rise to one of the most decorated players in LPGA history, with 13 major championships to her name.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under a strict format designed to test the world's best female golfers under the most challenging conditions. Unlike regular tour events, the USGA sets up courses to emphasize precision, patience, and mental toughness, often with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens. The 1958 tournament followed a 72-hole stroke play format, with all players completing four full rounds regardless of score.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: The tournament consists of four rounds of 18 holes each. In 1958, all competitors played the full 72 holes, with the lowest total score winning. There was no cut, which was standard at the time.
• Course Setup: The USGA is known for creating difficult course conditions. At Forest Lake, thick rough and undulating greens tested even the most experienced players.
• Qualifying: Players had to qualify through sectional events or earn exemptions based on past performance. In 1958, the field included top LPGA members and amateur standouts.
• Scoring: The winner, Mickey Wright, finished with a total of 296, which was 8-over-par for the tournament, reflecting the difficulty of the course.
• Prize Money: The total purse in 1958 was $10,000, with Wright earning $1,750 as the champion—a modest sum by today’s standards but significant at the time.
• Amateur Participation: The U.S. Women's Open has always allowed amateurs to compete. In 1958, several top female amateurs participated, though none finished in the top ten.

Key Details and Comparisons

This comparison highlights the evolution of the U.S. Women's Open over six decades. In 1958, the event was more exclusive, with a smaller field and significantly lower prize money. Mickey Wright’s winning score of 296 (+8) underscores how course management and survival were prioritized over aggressive scoring. In contrast, modern champions often finish well under par due to advancements in equipment, training, and course preparation. The expansion of the field to 156 players reflects the global growth of women’s golf, with qualifiers from over 20 countries. Additionally, the increased media coverage and sponsorship have transformed the tournament into a major spectacle, though the core challenge set by the USGA remains unchanged.

Real-World Examples

The 1958 U.S. Women's Open featured several memorable performances beyond Mickey Wright’s victory. Louise Suggs, a founding member of the LPGA and a dominant player of the era, finished second by just one stroke, highlighting the tight competition. Her consistency throughout the four rounds kept her in contention, but a bogey on the final hole allowed Wright to clinch the title. Another notable participant was Betsy Rawls, who finished in the top ten and had previously won the U.S. Women's Open in 1951 and 1953.

1. Mickey Wright (1st place): Her first U.S. Women's Open win launched a legendary career; she would go on to win three more (1959, 1961, 1964).
2. Louise Suggs (2nd place): A Hall of Famer, Suggs had already won the U.S. Women's Open in 1949 and 1952.
3. Marlene Hagge (Tied 3rd): At just 24, she was one of the youngest contenders and a rising star on the LPGA Tour.
4. Wiffi Smith (Tied 3rd): Known for her smooth swing, Smith was a consistent performer in major championships during the late 1950s.

Why It Matters

The 13th U.S. Women's Open holds lasting significance in the history of women's sports and golf. It marked the arrival of Mickey Wright as a dominant player and helped elevate the profile of the LPGA during a time when women athletes received limited recognition. The tournament also demonstrated the USGA’s commitment to maintaining high standards in championship golf, regardless of gender.

• Legacy of Mickey Wright: Wright went on to win 82 LPGA titles and 13 major championships, making her one of the greatest female golfers of all time.
• Historical Benchmark: The 1958 event is often cited in discussions of the evolution of women’s golf, showing how far the sport has come in terms of competition and visibility.
• USGA’s Role: The association’s consistent course setup philosophy has ensured that the U.S. Women's Open remains a true test of skill and endurance.
• Gender Equality in Sports: Early tournaments like this one laid the foundation for future generations of female athletes to demand equal pay and opportunities.
• Michigan’s Golf History: Hosting the event at Forest Lake brought national attention to Michigan as a state with strong golf traditions.

Ultimately, the 13th U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the journey toward greater recognition for women in sports. Its legacy lives on in the modern U.S. Women's Open, which continues to attract the world’s best players and captivate audiences worldwide.