What Is 1951 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1951 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the sixth edition of the tournament and showcasing one of the sport's most dominant figures. Held at Empire Golf Club in Clifton Park, New York, the event drew top female golfers competing for the prestigious title under challenging summer conditions.

Defending champion Babe Zaharias entered the tournament with high expectations, having already claimed the title in 1948 and 1950. Her performance in 1951 solidified her legacy, as she finished with a four-round total of 302 (+14), winning by six strokes over Betty Jameson.

• Location: The tournament was held at Empire Golf Club, a 6,204-yard, par-72 course in Clifton Park, New York, known for its narrow fairways and thick rough.
• Dates: The event spanned three days, from June 28 to June 30, 1951, a common format for women's majors at the time.
• Winner: Babe Zaharias claimed victory with a total score of 302 (+14), becoming the first woman to win three U.S. Women's Open titles.
• Runner-up: Betty Jameson finished second with a score of 308 (+20), highlighting Zaharias's dominance in the field.
• Historical significance: This win cemented Zaharias's status as a trailblazer in women's sports, especially during an era with limited recognition for female athletes.

Championship Format & Rules

The 1951 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard structure for U.S. Golf Association (USGA) championships, emphasizing consistency, endurance, and precision over multiple rounds. Players competed across 72 holes of stroke play, with no cut after 36 holes, meaning all entrants played all four rounds.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: Competitors completed four rounds of 18 holes each, with the lowest cumulative score determining the champion.
• Course Conditions: Empire Golf Club played at 6,204 yards and was set up as a par 72, with thick rough and fast greens testing all players.
• Weather Impact: Summer heat and humidity in upstate New York affected player stamina, contributing to higher scores across the field.
• Field Size: The tournament featured 48 players, a modest but competitive field compared to modern Opens.
• Prize Money: The winner received $1,000, a significant sum at the time, though far less than today's purses.
• Amateur Participation: A small number of amateurs competed, though professionals like Zaharias dominated the leaderboard.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1951 U.S. Women's Open differs significantly from modern editions in format, prize money, and visibility. The table below highlights key contrasts:

These differences underscore the evolution of women's golf. While the 1951 event was a milestone, today's Open features global participation, extensive media coverage, and vastly improved financial rewards, reflecting broader societal progress in sports equity.

Why It Matters

The 1951 U.S. Women's Open was more than a golf tournament—it was a cultural moment that elevated women's athletics during a time of limited opportunities. Babe Zaharias's victory resonated beyond the course, inspiring future generations of female athletes.

• Legacy of Babe Zaharias: Her third Open win established her as the dominant force in women's golf during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
• Media Attention: Zaharias's charisma and athleticism attracted national press, helping popularize women's golf in mainstream media.
• Trailblazing Achievements: She was one of the first women to achieve fame in multiple sports, including track and field and golf.
• Impact on Equality: Her success challenged gender norms and contributed to growing support for women in professional sports.
• Foundation for the LPGA: The visibility of events like this helped lead to the formation of the LPGA in 1950, just a year earlier.
• Historical Benchmark: The 1951 Open is now studied as a key milestone in the history of women's sports in America.

Today, the U.S. Women's Open stands as one of the most prestigious events in golf, but its roots lie in tournaments like the 1951 edition—where determination, skill, and visibility began to shift the landscape for women athletes.