What Is 1963 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1963 United States Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the 18th edition of the tournament since its inception in 1946. Held at the Hermitage Country Club in Manassas, Virginia, the event drew top female golfers from across the nation, competing on a challenging course known for its narrow fairways and thick rough.

This championship was particularly notable for its dramatic conclusion, as Mary Mills emerged victorious in an 18-hole playoff. Her win solidified her status as one of the leading players of the era and added a significant milestone to the LPGA Tour's growing legacy.

• June 27–30, 1963: The tournament spanned four days, concluding with a dramatic playoff between Mary Mills and Sue Stephens after both finished regulation tied at 296 (+8).
• Hermitage Country Club: A par-72 course located in Manassas, Virginia, the venue presented tough conditions due to summer heat and dense tree cover affecting ball visibility.
• Mary Mills: Representing the United States, Mills was 33 years old and had previously won multiple LPGA events, but this was her first and only U.S. Women's Open title.
• Playoff format: An 18-hole playoff was used to break ties, a standard practice at the time, with Mills shooting a 74 to Stephens' 77 to secure the win.
• Prize money: The total purse was $10,000, with Mills receiving $1,500 as the winner—modest by today’s standards but significant in the early years of women’s professional golf.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a structured format combining stroke play and, if necessary, a playoff to determine the champion. The 1963 edition adhered to these long-standing rules, emphasizing consistency and mental toughness under pressure.

• Format: The tournament consisted of 72 holes of stroke play over four days, with the lowest total score winning; ties triggered an 18-hole playoff the following day.
• Eligibility: Open to female professionals and top amateurs with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4, though most competitors were LPGA Tour members.
• Course setup: The Hermitage course played approximately 6,200 yards, with narrow fairways and fast greens that tested both accuracy and short-game finesse.
• Scoring: Mary Mills finished regulation at 296 (+8), matching Sue Stephens; both players struggled with bogeys but showed resilience in adverse weather conditions.
• Playoff rules: In 1963, the playoff was 18 holes rather than the current two-hole aggregate format, increasing the physical and psychological demands on players.
• Historical context: This win made Mary Mills the third different winner in three years, highlighting the competitive depth of women’s golf during the early 1960s.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1963 U.S. Women's Open to modern editions reveals significant changes in format, prize money, and player field size.

The evolution of the U.S. Women's Open reflects broader advancements in women's sports, including increased media coverage, sponsorship, and prize equity. While the 1963 event laid foundational moments for the LPGA, modern tournaments attract global attention and feature world-class athletes from over 20 countries.

Why It Matters

The 1963 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark in golf history, not only for its competitive drama but for its role in advancing women's professional sports. At a time when female athletes received limited recognition, events like this helped legitimize the LPGA and inspired future generations.

• Trailblazing win: Mary Mills became the first Louisianan to win the U.S. Women's Open, expanding the geographic reach of the sport’s top players.
• Media exposure: National coverage in newspapers and sports magazines helped grow the visibility of women's golf during a pivotal decade.
• Legacy of equality: The tournament highlighted disparities in prize money, fueling later advocacy for pay equity in women’s sports.
• Amateur participation: The open format allowed top amateurs to compete, fostering talent development and increasing competitive depth.
• Historical significance: This was the last U.S. Women's Open held in Virginia until 2011, making it a rare Southern-hosted event in the tournament’s history.
• Influence on LPGA: Mills’ victory contributed to the tour’s credibility and helped secure future sponsorships and television deals.

Today, the 1963 championship is remembered not just for who won, but for what it represented: progress, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of competition in women’s golf.