What Is 1947 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1947 U.S. Women's Open marked the beginning of one of the most prestigious events in women's golf. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), it was the first official national championship for women golfers in the U.S. Held just after World War II, the tournament signaled a resurgence in women's participation in professional sports.

Staged at the St. Louis Country Club in Ladue, Missouri, the event attracted top female players of the era. Despite challenging course conditions and limited media coverage, the tournament laid the foundation for future growth in women's golf. Babe Zaharias, a multi-sport athlete and rising golf star, emerged as the champion.

• Babe Zaharias won the tournament with a total score of 295 (+7), finishing six strokes ahead of Louise Suggs.
• The event was played over 72 holes of stroke play from June 26 to June 28, 1947, a format that set it apart from other women's events at the time.
• St. Louis Country Club became the first venue to host the U.S. Women's Open, selected for its established course and regional accessibility.
• Of the 45 players who started, only 23 completed all four rounds, highlighting the difficulty of both the course and weather conditions.
• Zaharias was still officially an amateur at the time, making her the only amateur to win the U.S. Women's Open in its early years.

Winner and Performance

Babe Zaharias delivered a dominant performance, showcasing her athleticism and precision under pressure. Her victory was notable not only for its margin but also for her composure during challenging play conditions. The win cemented her status as a trailblazer in women's sports.

• First-round score: Zaharias shot 74 (+2), placing her near the middle of the leaderboard but showing steady control.
• Second round: She improved to 71 (+1), moving into a tie for second place and demonstrating resilience on tough greens.
• Third round: A 74 (+2) kept her in contention, as several competitors faltered under increasing pressure.
• Final round: She closed with a 76 (+4), the second-best final round, securing victory by six strokes despite rising winds.
• Winning margin: Her six-stroke lead was the largest in the tournament’s first decade, underscoring her dominance.
• Amateur status: Zaharias remained an amateur until 1947, later turning professional and winning multiple titles on the LPGA Tour.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1947 U.S. Women's Open differed significantly from modern editions in format, prize money, and field size. The table below highlights key contrasts between the inaugural event and the 2023 championship.

The evolution of the tournament reflects broader changes in women's sports, including increased professionalism, media coverage, and financial support. While the 1947 event was modest in scale, it established a legacy that continues today with global participation and multimillion-dollar purses.

Why It Matters

The 1947 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark moment in sports history, setting the stage for the growth of women's professional golf. It provided legitimacy to female athletes in a male-dominated field and inspired future generations of competitors.

• The tournament helped legitimize women's golf as a competitive and organized sport under the USGA umbrella.
• Babe Zaharias became a national icon, using her platform to advocate for women in athletics.
• It established a 72-hole stroke play format, which remains standard in major championships today.
• The event laid the groundwork for the formation of the LPGA in 1950, just three years later.
• It demonstrated that women's sports could draw public interest and media coverage, even in limited form.
• Winning as an amateur, Zaharias inspired future multi-sport athletes to pursue golf professionally.

Today, the U.S. Women's Open is one of five major championships in women's golf, with global reach and significant cultural impact. The 1947 edition remains a foundational milestone in that legacy.