What Is 1955 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1955 U.S. Women's Open was won by Kathy Cornelius, who claimed her only major title in a dramatic 18-hole playoff over amateur Betty Jameson. Held from June 23–25 at Highland Golf Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, it marked the 10th edition of the tournament.

Key Facts

Kathy Cornelius won the 1955 U.S. Women's Open in an 18-hole playoff with a score of 76.
The tournament was held at Highland Golf Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, from June 23–25, 1955.
Cornelius finished regulation tied with amateur Betty Jameson at 297 (+9) over 72 holes.
This was the 10th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, first held in 1946.
Kathy Cornelius earned $1,500 as the champion, the largest prize in women’s golf at the time.

Overview

The 1955 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in early women's professional golf, marking the 10th edition of the tournament and the first to require a full 18-hole playoff to decide the champion. Held at the Highland Golf Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, it drew a strong field of professionals and top amateurs competing for one of the most prestigious titles in women’s golf.

Victory went to Kathy Cornelius, a relatively lesser-known player who outlasted a tightly contested leaderboard. Her triumph was historic not only for the dramatic finish but also for being one of the few major wins by a player outside the dominant core of the era.

Kathy Cornelius won her only major title after defeating Betty Jameson in an 18-hole playoff with a score of 76 to 79.
The tournament was held from June 23 to 25, 1955, at Highland Golf Club, a challenging course that tested endurance and precision.
Cornelius and Jameson finished regulation tied at 297 (+9) over 72 holes, the highest winning score in U.S. Women’s Open history to that point.
The event was organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), continuing its tradition of hosting national championships since 1946.
Cornelius earned $1,500 as champion, the largest first-place prize in women’s golf at the time, highlighting growing recognition of the sport.

How It Was Decided

The outcome of the 1955 U.S. Women's Open hinged on a rare 18-hole playoff, a format used when co-leaders are tied after regulation. This method tested not only skill but also mental resilience under pressure, especially given the hot Michigan summer conditions.

Playoff Format: An 18-hole playoff was held the day after regulation; it was the first in U.S. Women’s Open history to go the full distance.
Final Scores: Cornelius shot 76 in the playoff, while Jameson, the amateur, struggled with a 79, sealing the outcome.
Course Conditions: Highland Golf Club played to a length of 6,035 yards and featured narrow fairways and fast greens, increasing difficulty.
Weather Impact: Temperatures exceeded 90°F, contributing to high scores and physical strain on players during the playoff.
Historic Tie: The 297 (+9) total was the highest winning score in the tournament’s first decade, reflecting course difficulty.
Prize Money: The $1,500 purse was modest by modern standards but represented a significant step forward in professional opportunities for women golfers.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1955 U.S. Women’s Open to other editions highlights its unique challenges and historical significance in the evolution of women’s golf.

Year	Champion	Winning Score	Margin of Victory	Prize Money
1955	Kathy Cornelius	297 (+9)	3 strokes (after playoff)	$1,500
1954	Babe Zaharias	293 (+13)	1 stroke	$1,000
1953	Betsy Rawls	292 (+12)	4 strokes	$1,000
1952	Glenna Collett Vare (amateur record)	302 (+18)	1 stroke	$1,000
1951	Betty Jameson	298 (+10)	2 strokes	$1,000

The 1955 tournament stands out for its playoff drama and scoring difficulty. While earlier editions had been won by legends like Zaharias and Rawls, Cornelius’s victory underscored the growing depth of talent in women’s golf and the increasing competitiveness of the event.

Why It Matters

The 1955 U.S. Women’s Open played a key role in advancing professional opportunities for women athletes during a time when support for women’s sports was limited. Its outcome demonstrated that major titles could be won by underdogs, inspiring broader participation in the game.

Breaking Barriers: Kathy Cornelius’s win showed that consistent performance could overcome lack of fame or sponsorship.
Amateur Challenge: Betty Jameson’s near-victory as an amateur highlighted the thin line between pro and amateur success.
Media Attention: The playoff format generated national press, increasing visibility for women’s golf beyond regional audiences.
Prize Growth: The $1,500 purse set a precedent for increasing financial incentives in future tournaments.
USGA Legacy: The event reinforced the USGA’s role in developing women’s golf through fair, competitive structures.
Historical Benchmark: The 297 winning score remains a reference point for course difficulty and scoring trends in major championships.

Today, the 1955 U.S. Women’s Open is remembered not just for its dramatic finish but as a milestone in the slow but steady rise of women’s professional golf in America.