What Is 1946 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1946 U.S. Women's Open was the inaugural edition of what would become one of the most prestigious tournaments in women's professional golf. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), it marked a pivotal moment in establishing a national championship for female golfers.

This event laid the foundation for future major championships in women’s golf and signaled growing recognition of women athletes in post-World War II America. Held just months after the war ended, it attracted top talent and set a precedent for competitive excellence.

• Patty Berg won the tournament with a four-round total of 292 (+8), finishing six strokes ahead of the runner-up.
• The championship was played at Spokane Country Club in Spokane, Washington, a course that challenged players with narrow fairways and thick rough.
• With only 30 players in the field, the event was intimate but highly competitive, featuring many of the era’s top female golfers.
• This was the first official U.S. Women's Open recognized by the USGA, though it was retroactively designated as a major in later years.
• Unlike modern Opens, the 1946 format included 36 holes on the final day, testing both endurance and skill under pressure.

How It Works

The 1946 U.S. Women's Open followed a format distinct from today’s standards, blending amateur tradition with emerging professional structure. Players competed over 72 holes of stroke play, with no cut after 36 holes due to the small field size.

• Format: A 72-hole stroke play tournament with all rounds completed consecutively; no 36-hole cut was enforced due to limited participation.
• Course Setup: Spokane Country Club played to 6,200 yards with a par of 72, demanding accuracy over power.
• Scoring: Players recorded scores manually, with no electronic leaderboards; officials tallied results by hand after each round.
• Winner’s Prize: Patty Berg earned $5,600, the largest purse in women’s golf at the time, reflecting the event’s significance.
• Eligibility: Open to both amateur and professional women, though most competitors were emerging pros in the post-war golf scene.
• Weather Impact: Rain delayed the final round, forcing players to complete 36 holes on June 30, testing physical endurance.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1946 U.S. Women's Open to modern editions highlights dramatic changes in scale, technology, and prize structure.

The evolution from a modest regional event to a globally televised championship underscores the growth of women’s sports. While the 1946 tournament had limited media coverage, the 2023 edition reached millions via live broadcasts and digital platforms.

Why It Matters

The 1946 U.S. Women's Open was more than a golf tournament—it was a milestone in gender equity in sports. Its success helped legitimize women’s professional golf and inspired future generations of athletes.

• Patty Berg’s victory established her as a pioneer, later becoming a founding member of the LPGA in 1950.
• The event demonstrated that women’s golf could draw public interest and sustain national championships.
• It provided a platform for female athletes at a time when few professional opportunities existed.
• The USGA’s involvement gave the tournament official credibility, elevating its status among golf’s majors.
• Success in 1946 led to the annual continuation of the U.S. Women's Open, now a cornerstone of the LPGA Tour.
• Historically, it marked the first USGA-sanctioned women’s major of the modern era, shaping competitive standards.

Today, the U.S. Women's Open is celebrated not just for its competition, but for its legacy—rooted in the groundbreaking 1946 championship that started it all.