What Is 14th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 14th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1959, stands as a landmark moment in the history of women's professional golf. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), this championship was the 14th edition of what has become one of the most prestigious events in women's golf. The tournament not only tested the skill and endurance of the world's top female golfers but also highlighted the growing competitiveness and visibility of women in professional sports during the mid-20th century.

Played at the Churchill Valley Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the event drew a strong field of competitors, including legends like Patty Berg, Mickey Wright, and defending champion Louise Suggs. The course, known for its challenging layout and thick rough, provided a stern test under humid June conditions. With a final score of 293 (+13), Betsy Rawls emerged victorious, securing her fourth U.S. Women's Open title—a record at the time.

This victory cemented Rawls' legacy as one of the dominant forces in women's golf during the 1950s. Her win in 1959 made her the first woman to win four U.S. Women's Open championships, surpassing previous records held by Babe Zaharias and Louise Suggs. The tournament also marked a turning point in the sport’s evolution, as increased media coverage and public interest began to elevate the status of women's golf on the national stage.

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 or exemption criteria. The 14th edition followed the same rigorous format, with players competing over four days on a challenging course designed to test precision, endurance, and mental toughness. The field was limited to 100 players, with only the top 60 and ties advancing after the 36-hole cut.

• Qualification: Players either earned exemptions based on past performance or advanced through 36-hole sectional qualifying tournaments held across the U.S. In 1959, over 200 golfers competed for limited spots.
• Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format, with 18 holes played each day from Thursday to Sunday. The player with the lowest total score won.
• Course Setup: Churchill Valley was set up at approximately 6,200 yards with a par of 72, featuring narrow fairways and thick rough that penalized wayward shots.
• Scoring: Betsy Rawls shot rounds of 73-74-73-73 for a total of 293, just one stroke ahead of Patty Berg’s 294.
• Prize Money: The winner received $1,500 from a total purse of $15,000—modest by today’s standards but significant in 1959 for women’s sports.
• Amateur Participation: While most competitors were professionals, several top amateurs competed, though none finished in the top ten.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison above illustrates the dramatic evolution of the U.S. Women's Open over nearly eight decades. While Betsy Rawls’ 1959 victory at Churchill Valley was a milestone, modern tournaments feature longer courses, lower scores due to improved equipment and training, and exponentially higher prize purses. The 1959 event had a total purse of $15,000, whereas in 2023, the U.S. Women's Open offered $10 million total, with $1.8 million going to the winner. Additionally, scoring has improved significantly—Rawls’ +13 total contrasts sharply with recent winners posting double-digit under par. These changes reflect advancements in athletic performance, technology, and the growing commercialization of women's golf.

Real-World Examples

The 1959 U.S. Women's Open featured several memorable performances beyond Rawls’ triumph. Patty Berg, a founding member of the LPGA and one of the sport’s pioneers, finished second with a score of 294, just one stroke behind. Despite her age (41 at the time), Berg remained a formidable competitor, showcasing the longevity and dedication required at the highest level. Mickey Wright, who would go on to dominate the early 1960s, finished in the top ten and was already being hailed as the next great champion.

The tournament also highlighted the regional diversity of the field, with players traveling from as far as California and Texas to compete in Pennsylvania. Churchill Valley’s hilly terrain and fast greens proved challenging for those unaccustomed to the Northeastern U.S. layout. The event was also notable for its modest media coverage—only a few wire services and golf magazines covered the tournament, unlike today’s live broadcasts and social media presence.

1. Betsy Rawls – Winner, 293 (+13), fourth U.S. Women's Open title
2. Patty Berg – Runner-up, 294, one of the LPGA’s founding members
3. Louise Suggs – Defending champion, missed top-5 finish
4. Mickey Wright – Top-10 finisher, future Hall of Famer

Why It Matters

The 14th U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the history of women's sports, symbolizing perseverance, excellence, and the slow but steady progress toward gender equity in athletics. Betsy Rawls’ achievement of winning four titles underscored the depth of talent in women's golf and inspired future generations of players. The tournament also laid groundwork for greater recognition and investment in the LPGA, which was still in its formative years.

• Historical Significance: Rawls became the first woman to win four U.S. Women's Open titles, a record later matched only by Mickey Wright.
• Legacy in Golf: The 1959 win solidified Rawls’ place in the World Golf Hall of Fame, inducted in 1976.
• Gender Equity: At a time when women’s sports received minimal support, the Open provided visibility and legitimacy.
• USGA Leadership: The consistent organization of the event reinforced the USGA’s role in advancing women’s golf.
• Media Impact: Though limited in 1959, coverage paved the way for future broadcasts and sponsorships.

Today, the U.S. Women's Open is a global event with millions in prize money and international competitors. Yet, the 1959 championship remains a touchstone, reminding us of the pioneers who played for pride and passion when professional opportunities for women were scarce. Betsy Rawls’ victory at Churchill Valley was not just a personal triumph—it was a step forward for the entire sport.