What Is 18th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 18th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1962, was a pivotal event in the early development of women's professional golf. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), it continued the tradition of showcasing top female talent in a challenging 72-hole stroke play format.

That year, the tournament was hosted at the Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California, a course known for its tree-lined fairways and demanding greens. The event drew a competitive field of LPGA Tour professionals and amateurs vying for one of the most prestigious titles in women's golf.

• 1962 marked the year of the 18th U.S. Women's Open, continuing the tournament's growth since its inception in 1946.
• Joyce Ziske claimed her first and only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a total score of 302 (+14).
• The event was held at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California, a course that tested accuracy and endurance.
• Ziske’s victory was notable as it represented her first LPGA Tour win and one of only two in her professional career.
• The tournament format included 72 holes of stroke play, with no cut after 36 holes, a common structure in early editions.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open has evolved over time, but in 1962, it followed a straightforward yet grueling format designed to identify the most consistent player over four days of competition.

• Format: The tournament used 72 holes of stroke play with no mid-event cut, requiring players to complete all four rounds regardless of standing.
• Eligibility: Open to both professionals and amateurs, though the majority of competitors were established LPGA Tour members at the time.
• Scoring: The player with the lowest cumulative score after four rounds was declared champion, with ties resolved by playoff if necessary.
• Course Setup: Del Paso Country Club was set up to challenge players with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens typical of USGA championships.
• Prize Money: The winner received a modest purse by today’s standards; Ziske earned $1,000 for her victory in 1962.
• USGA Oversight: The United States Golf Association administered all aspects, from course preparation to rules enforcement and player qualifications.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 18th U.S. Women's Open to modern editions highlights significant changes in structure, prize money, and global participation.

The evolution of the U.S. Women's Open reflects broader growth in women's sports, with modern tournaments featuring larger fields, international competitors, and significantly higher prize purses. While the 1962 event laid foundational milestones, today’s version benefits from decades of advocacy, media coverage, and institutional support.

Why It Matters

The 18th U.S. Women's Open remains a significant chapter in the history of women's golf, symbolizing both the challenges and triumphs of early professional female athletes.

• Joyce Ziske’s win helped inspire future generations of golfers, especially during a time when women’s sports received minimal recognition.
• The tournament highlighted the endurance and skill required to succeed in USGA-sanctioned events, even with limited financial incentives.
• Hosting at Del Paso Country Club demonstrated the USGA’s commitment to rotating venues across the United States.
• It contributed to the legacy of the LPGA Tour, which was still in its formative years during the early 1960s.
• The event underscored the importance of amateur inclusion, allowing talented non-professionals to compete on a national stage.
• Historical records of this edition help researchers and fans trace the evolution of scoring trends and course difficulty over time.

While overshadowed by later champions and larger events, the 1962 U.S. Women's Open remains a testament to perseverance and the quiet milestones that shaped modern women's golf.