What Is 1962 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1962 U.S. Women's Open was the 17th edition of the tournament, a major championship in women's golf organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). It took place at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California, marking a pivotal moment in the careers of several top female golfers of the era.

Contested over 72 holes, the event drew a strong field, including past champions and rising stars. Murle Breer emerged victorious, capturing her only U.S. Women's Open title in dramatic fashion after a tense final round.

• Murle Breer claimed her first and only U.S. Women's Open title at age 22, finishing with a total score of 299 (+11) over four rounds.
• The tournament was held from June 28 to June 30, 1962, at the Del Paso Country Club, a par-72 course in Sacramento.
• Breer entered the final round tied with Ruth Jessen, but pulled ahead with a clutch performance to win by one stroke.
• This victory marked the peak of Breer’s professional career, as she never won another LPGA major despite consistent top-10 finishes.
• The event was notable for its competitive depth, with four players within three strokes of the lead entering the final 18 holes.

Championship Format and Structure

The 1962 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard 72-hole stroke play format used by the USGA for its championships, with no cut after 36 holes, allowing all entrants to complete all four rounds.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: The winner was determined by the lowest cumulative score over four rounds of 18 holes, a format used since the tournament’s inception.
• No 36-Hole Cut: Unlike modern Opens, there was no mid-tournament cut, meaning all 53 starters played all four rounds, increasing endurance demands.
• Par and Course Length: Del Paso Country Club played to 6,079 yards and a par of 72, challenging even the longest hitters of the era.
• Prize Money: The total purse was $15,000, with Breer earning $2,000 as the champion—relatively modest compared to later decades.
• Amateur Participation: Five amateurs competed, including Carol Sorenson, who finished in 11th place, one of the best performances by an amateur that year.
• Weather Conditions: Players faced high summer heat in Sacramento, with temperatures exceeding 90°F, affecting scoring and stamina across the weekend.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1962 U.S. Women's Open with other editions highlights its unique place in golf history.

The 1962 event stands out for its narrow winning margin and challenging scoring conditions. Compared to the preceding years, the course setup at Del Paso yielded higher scores, reflecting both the heat and firm fairways. Breer’s victory was particularly impressive given the depth of talent, including multiple past champions in the field.

Legacy and Significance

The 1962 U.S. Women's Open remains a significant chapter in women’s golf history, symbolizing both the competitive rigor and evolving professionalism of the LPGA during the early 1960s.

• Murle Breer’s triumph was her only major win, yet it cemented her status as one of the most promising players of her generation.
• The tournament highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s golf, with no dominant player emerging in the early 1960s despite Mickey Wright’s prior success.
• It marked one of the last Opens without a cut, a format change that would soon be adopted to streamline competition.
• The event helped raise the profile of women’s golf in California, contributing to increased local media coverage and fan attendance.
• Del Paso Country Club’s role as host enhanced its reputation as a premier women’s championship venue during the era.
• Historians note the 1962 Open as a transitional moment, just before the LPGA’s expansion and rise in national visibility in the mid-1960s.

Today, the 1962 U.S. Women's Open is remembered for its dramatic finish and the emergence of a new champion in a tightly contested field, underscoring the unpredictability and excitement of golf’s most prestigious women’s major.