What Is 1949 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1949 United States Women's Open was the fourth official edition of the tournament, marking a pivotal moment in women’s golf history. Held at Prince George's Golf Course in Landover, Maryland, it attracted top female golfers during a formative era for the sport.

Defying illness and strong competition, Babe Zaharias emerged victorious, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of her time. Her win was notable not only for its dominance but also for the broader cultural impact it had on women in sports.

• Event Dates: The tournament took place from June 30 to July 3, 1949, spanning four competitive rounds under summer conditions.
• Location: Prince George's Golf Course, a public course in Landover, Maryland, hosted the event for the first time in its history.
• Winner: Babe Zaharias claimed victory with a total score of 292 (+8), finishing four strokes ahead of Louise Suggs in second place.
• Course Details: The course measured 6,040 yards and was set up as a par 72, presenting significant challenges for players during hot and humid conditions.
• Historic Achievement: Zaharias became the first woman to win both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, showcasing her versatility across golf disciplines.

How It Was Played

The 1949 U.S. Women's Open followed a traditional 72-hole stroke play format, with competitors vying for consistency and endurance over four grueling days. Conditions were taxing, with high temperatures affecting player performance and strategy.

• Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play system, with the lowest cumulative score determining the champion after four rounds.
• Field Size: A total of 48 players qualified for the event, including amateur and professional golfers from across the United States.
• Scoring: Zaharias shot rounds of 72, 73, 72, and 75, maintaining remarkable consistency despite physical discomfort from recent surgery.
• Runner-Up: Louise Suggs finished second with a score of 296 (+12), establishing herself as one of the era’s top contenders.
• Weather Impact: Temperatures reached the mid-90s Fahrenheit, contributing to fatigue and increasing the difficulty of course management.
• Historical Context: This win was part of Zaharias’s historic 1949 season, in which she won three of the five recognized women’s majors at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1949 U.S. Women's Open with later editions highlights key changes in course length, scoring, and prize structure.

While scoring has improved over time due to advancements in equipment and training, the 1949 tournament remains notable for its physical demands and historical significance. Zaharias’s victory under medical adversity underscored her athletic prowess and helped elevate the profile of women’s professional golf.

Why It Matters

The 1949 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event that helped shape the trajectory of women’s golf, both competitively and culturally. Zaharias’s triumph resonated beyond the leaderboard, inspiring future generations of female athletes.

• National Attention: Zaharias’s win received widespread media coverage, helping bring women’s sports into the mainstream spotlight.
• Medical Resilience: She competed shortly after cancer surgery, demonstrating extraordinary determination and physical courage.
• Legacy Building: This victory contributed to her being named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years (1947–1949).
• Professional Growth: The tournament highlighted the need for greater financial support and recognition for women golfers.
• Historical Benchmark: It marked the first time a woman won both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, a rare feat.
• Influence on LPGA: The success of events like this helped solidify the foundation for the LPGA, founded in 1950.

Today, the 1949 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not just for its outcome, but for its role in advancing gender equality in sports and showcasing the resilience of one of golf’s pioneering icons.