What Is 1962 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1962 U.S. Women's Open was the 17th edition of the championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). It took place from June 28 to June 30 at the Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California, marking a significant moment in women's professional golf history.

Won by American golfer Murle Lindstrom, the tournament featured a competitive field of 62 players, with only 44 advancing past the halfway cut. Lindstrom claimed victory with a four-round total of 303 (+7), edging out runner-up Louise Suggs by one stroke.

• Murle Lindstrom captured her only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a total of 303 (+7) over 72 holes.
• The event was held at Del Paso Country Club, a par-72 course that proved challenging under warm California conditions.
• Louise Suggs, a Hall of Famer, finished second with a score of 304, narrowly missing her third U.S. Women's Open win.
• The tournament had a total prize fund of $10,000, with the winner receiving $1,750—a standard payout for the era.
• June 28–30, 1962 marked the official dates, with rounds played consecutively over three days, typical for U.S. Open events at the time.

Championship Format and Structure

The 1962 U.S. Women's Open followed the traditional 72-hole stroke play format, with a 36-hole cut after the second round to reduce the field. Players competed across four rounds of 18 holes, with scoring tightly contested due to the course's difficulty and weather conditions.

• Format: The tournament used 72-hole stroke play, with the lowest cumulative score determining the champion after four rounds.
• Cut Rule: After 36 holes, the field was reduced to the low 40 scorers and ties; 44 players advanced in 1962.
• Course Par: Del Paso Country Club played as a par-72 layout, with a total yardage of approximately 6,200 yards.
• Weather Conditions: Temperatures in Sacramento reached the mid-90s°F, affecting ball roll and player endurance during afternoon rounds.
• Amateur Participation: Only 4 amateurs competed, reflecting the growing professionalization of women’s golf in the early 1960s.
• Final Round Drama: Lindstrom entered the final round trailing but shot a steady 75 to overtake leaders faltering under pressure.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1962 U.S. Women's Open with more recent editions to highlight changes in format, prize money, and scoring standards.

While the 1962 tournament featured a winning score over par, modern advancements in equipment and course management have led to significantly lower scores and exponentially higher prize purses. The evolution reflects the professional growth and increased visibility of women's golf over six decades.

Why It Matters

The 1962 U.S. Women's Open holds historical significance as a milestone in the development of women's professional golf, showcasing competitive depth and the emergence of new champions beyond established names.

• Murle Lindstrom became the first woman in her mid-20s to win since the late 1950s, signaling a generational shift in the sport.
• The tournament highlighted the USGA's commitment to maintaining a premier national championship for women despite limited media coverage.
• It demonstrated the competitive rigor of women's golf, with a winning score within one stroke of the runner-up.
• The event helped inspire future LPGA Tour expansion, contributing to increased sponsorship and tournament frequency by the 1970s.
• Del Paso Country Club's hosting underscored the importance of diverse geographic representation in major golf championships.
• Historical records from 1962 provide valuable context for understanding the progression of scoring averages and prize equity in women’s sports.

Though overshadowed by later champions like Mickey Wright and Annika Sörenstam, the 1962 U.S. Women's Open remains a pivotal chapter in golf history, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of early professional female athletes.