What Is 1946 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1946 United States Women's Open was a landmark event in women's golf, marking the first official U.S. Women's Open championship sanctioned by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held from September 26 to 29, 1946, at the Spokane Country Club in Washington, it set the foundation for what would become one of the most prestigious events in women's golf.

Despite a small field of only 17 players, the tournament was historically significant as it unified women's golf under the USGA banner. Patty Berg emerged as champion, winning by six strokes and securing her place in golf history as the first winner of the officially recognized U.S. Women's Open.

• Patty Berg shot a 303 (+7 over par) across 72 holes, winning by six strokes over Betty Jameson, who finished at 309.
• The event was held at Spokane Country Club, a course measuring just under 6,000 yards, which challenged players with narrow fairways and thick rough.
• This tournament marked the first USGA-sanctioned U.S. Women's Open, distinguishing it from earlier unofficial events labeled as "Opens" in the 1930s.
• With only 17 competitors, it remains the smallest field in the tournament’s history, reflecting the limited reach of women’s golf at the time.
• Prize money was minimal; Berg received $500 for her victory, a fraction of what modern champions earn, highlighting the era’s limited financial support for women athletes.

How It Works

The 1946 U.S. Women's Open followed a 72-hole stroke play format, standard for major championships, with players competing over four rounds to achieve the lowest cumulative score.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: Players completed four rounds of 18 holes each, with the lowest total score determining the winner; ties were broken by playoff if needed.
• USGA Oversight: This was the first time the USGA administered the women’s open, bringing standardized rules and official recognition to the event.
• Eligibility: Open to all female amateur and professional golfers, though few pros existed at the time, and travel costs limited participation.
• Course Setup: Spokane Country Club played to approximately 5,900 yards, significantly shorter than modern majors, but still demanding due to weather and terrain.
• Scoring Conditions: Rainy weather during the tournament led to muddy fairways and slower greens, affecting players’ shot control and overall scoring.
• Amateur Inclusion: Despite being an "open," all 17 entrants were professionals or top-level amateurs, reflecting the tight-knit nature of women’s golf in the 1940s.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1946 U.S. Women's Open to modern editions reveals dramatic changes in scale, competitiveness, and prestige.

The evolution from a modest regional event to a globally televised major underscores the growth of women’s sports. While Patty Berg’s victory in 1946 drew little media attention, modern champions receive widespread coverage and sponsorships, reflecting decades of progress in gender equity in athletics.

Why It Matters

The 1946 U.S. Women's Open was more than a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the professionalization of women’s sports. Its establishment by the USGA gave legitimacy to female athletes and created a platform for future generations.

• Historical Precedent: It established the U.S. Women’s Open as a major championship, now one of five LPGA majors.
• Patty Berg’s Legacy: Berg, a founding member of the LPGA, used this win to bolster her advocacy for women’s golf.
• Gender Equity: Though underfunded, the event challenged norms by offering an "open" competition for women.
• Foundation for LPGA: The tournament helped inspire the formation of the LPGA in 1950, just four years later.
• Media Visibility: Early coverage in newspapers laid the groundwork for future broadcast deals and sponsorships.
• Historical Recognition: The USGA now officially recognizes 1946 as the first U.S. Women’s Open, retroactively validating its importance.

Today, the U.S. Women’s Open stands as a symbol of perseverance and progress, with roots firmly planted in the quiet fairways of Spokane in 1946.