What Is 1960 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1960 U.S. Women's Open was won by Betsy Rawls at the age of 32, marking her fourth U.S. Women's Open title. It was held from June 30 to July 2 at the Worcester Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Key Facts

Betsy Rawls won the 1960 U.S. Women's Open at age 32
The tournament took place from June 30 to July 2, 1960
It was held at Worcester Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts
Rawls won by a margin of four strokes
This victory marked her fourth U.S. Women's Open title

Overview

The 1960 U.S. Women's Open was the 15th edition of the prestigious championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). It showcased some of the top female golfers of the era competing for one of the most coveted titles in women’s golf.

Hosted at the historic Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts, the tournament featured a competitive field and challenging course conditions. Betsy Rawls emerged victorious, solidifying her legacy as one of the dominant players in the sport during the mid-20th century.

Winner:Betsy Rawls claimed victory with a total score of 301 (+13), winning her fourth U.S. Women's Open title and becoming only the second woman to achieve this feat.
Dates: The event was held from June 30 to July 2, 1960, spanning four rounds over three days due to scheduling norms of the time.
Location: The tournament took place at Worcester Country Club, a course known for its narrow fairways and thick rough, which tested even the most skilled players.
Winning Margin: Rawls won by four strokes, finishing ahead of runner-up Joyce Ziske, who recorded a score of 305 (+17).
Historical Significance: This win made Rawls the first woman since 1953 to win multiple U.S. Women's Opens, and her fourth title tied her with Babe Zaharias for the most at the time.

Championship Highlights

The 1960 U.S. Women's Open was notable for its high level of competition and dramatic final rounds. Rawls overcame tough weather and course conditions to secure her place in golf history.

Round 1: Rawls opened with a score of 77 (+5), placing her in the middle of the leaderboard, showing resilience after early bogeys.
Round 2: She shot 74 (+2) to move into contention, demonstrating improved accuracy and composure under pressure.
Round 3: A key third-round score of 73 (+1) gave her a narrow lead heading into the final day, showcasing her consistency.
Final Round: Rawls closed with a 77 (+5), but her closest competitors faltered, allowing her to win by four strokes.
Prize Money: The winner’s share was $1,500 from a total purse of $10,000, reflecting the limited financial rewards in women’s golf at the time.
Field Size: A total of 64 players completed all four rounds, with many top names failing to break through due to the course’s difficulty.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1960 U.S. Women's Open with other editions highlights its unique place in golf history.

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Winning Margin	Location
1960	Betsy Rawls	301 (+13)	4 strokes	Worcester CC, MA
1959	Mickey Wright	292 (+4)	1 stroke	Churchill Valley, PA
1958	Rawls, Wright (tie)	297 (+9)	Playoff	Churchill Valley, PA
1957	Wright	295 (+7)	2 strokes	St. Louis CC, MO
1956	Wright	296 (+8)	1 stroke	Northland CC, OH

The 1960 tournament stands out for its high scoring and narrow margin of victory compared to previous years. While Mickey Wright dominated the late 1950s, Rawls’ 1960 win marked a resurgence in her career and underscored the competitive depth of women’s golf during this era.

Why It Matters

The 1960 U.S. Women's Open remains a significant milestone in the history of women’s sports, illustrating both the skill and perseverance required at the highest level of competition. It also reflects the evolving landscape of professional golf for women during a time of limited media coverage and sponsorship.

Legacy of Betsy Rawls: Her fourth title cemented her status as one of the greatest female golfers of her generation, with eight LPGA major titles in total.
Historical Context: The win occurred during a transitional period in women’s sports, just before the rise of the LPGA Tour’s national prominence in the 1960s.
Course Challenge: The Worcester CC layout emphasized precision, making Rawls’ victory a testament to strategic course management and mental toughness.
Gender Equity: The modest prize money highlighted disparities in women’s sports, a theme that would fuel advocacy in later decades.
Media Coverage: Limited television exposure meant that many fans learned of the results through newspapers, underscoring the need for greater visibility.
Inspiration: Rawls’ success inspired future generations of female golfers, including legends like Nancy Lopez and Annika Sörenstam.

Today, the 1960 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not just for the outcome, but for its role in shaping the narrative of women’s golf as a serious and competitive sport.