What Is 1950 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1950 United States Women's Open marked a pivotal moment in women's golf history, serving as both a competitive milestone and a symbolic launch for the newly formed Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Held from July 27 to 30 at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wichita, Kansas, the tournament brought together top female golfers during a time when professional opportunities for women in sports were extremely limited.

Victory went to Babe Didrikson Zaharias, one of the most versatile athletes of the 20th century, who finished with a four-round total of 299 (+11). Her seven-stroke margin of victory underscored her dominance, and her leadership helped elevate the profile of women's golf during its formative years. The event also highlighted the challenges of early women's professional golf, including sparse prize money and limited media coverage.

• Course setup: Rolling Hills Country Club played as a par-72 layout, presenting tough conditions due to summer heat and firm greens, which contributed to high scoring.
• Winner's score: Babe Didrikson Zaharias finished at +11 over four rounds, with rounds of 75, 73, 76, and 75, demonstrating consistency under pressure.
• Runner-up: Betty Jameson finished second with a total of 306, seven strokes behind Zaharias, marking a rare decisive win in major championship golf.
• Historic context: This was the fifth edition of the U.S. Women's Open and the first to be conducted under the auspices of the newly founded LPGA.
• Prize purse: The total purse was $10,000, with Zaharias earning $1,500 for her victory, a modest sum even by 1950 standards.

Significance in Women's Sports

The 1950 U.S. Women's Open was more than a golf tournament—it was a foundational event for women's professional athletics. Zaharias' victory coincided with her election as the first president of the LPGA, which had been officially formed earlier that year by 13 pioneering women.

• LPGA formation: The LPGA was founded in 1950 by 13 women, including Zaharias, with the goal of creating sustainable professional opportunities for female golfers.
• Media attention: Zaharias' fame as an Olympic gold medalist and multi-sport athlete brought unprecedented media coverage to the event, helping legitimize women's golf.
• Trailblazing win: Zaharias became the first woman to win major titles in golf, track and field, and professional baseball exhibitions, showcasing rare athletic versatility.
• Legacy of leadership: As LPGA president, she advocated for better tournament organization, sponsorships, and fairer prize distributions for women athletes.
• Cultural impact: Her victory challenged societal norms about women in sports and inspired future generations of female athletes to pursue professional careers.
• Historical recognition: The U.S. Golf Association later recognized the 1950 Open as a turning point in the institutionalization of women's golf.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1950 U.S. Women's Open with modern editions reveals dramatic changes in format, scoring, and professionalism.

The table illustrates how women's golf has evolved in terms of scoring efficiency, financial rewards, and course difficulty. While the format remains consistent, modern players shoot significantly lower scores due to advances in equipment, training, and course conditions. The exponential growth in prize money also reflects the sport's increased commercial viability and media presence.

Why It Matters

The 1950 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event that helped shape the future of women's professional golf. Its legacy extends beyond the leaderboard, influencing organizational development, gender equity, and public perception of female athletes.

• Sports equity: The tournament demonstrated that women could compete at a high level and draw public interest, challenging stereotypes about female athletic ability.
• Professional foundation: It served as a de facto launch event for the LPGA, providing structure and visibility for future tours.
• Role model effect: Zaharias became a national icon, inspiring young girls to take up golf and pursue sports careers.
• Media evolution: Her celebrity status helped secure newspaper coverage and radio broadcasts, laying groundwork for future TV deals.
• Historical preservation: The USGA now archives records from 1950 as part of its official women's championship history.
• Global influence: The success of the LPGA model influenced the creation of women's tours in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Today, the 1950 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not just for who won, but for what it represented: the beginning of a professional era for women in golf.