What Is 1963 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1963 U.S. 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 Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut, the event drew top professional and amateur golfers competing for one of the most prestigious titles in women’s golf.

Champion Mary Mills emerged victorious after an intense playoff, securing her place in golf history. Her win was notable not only for its dramatic finish but also for highlighting the growing competitiveness and depth of talent in women's professional golf during the early 1960s.

• 1963 U.S. Women's Open: Took place from July 11–14, 1963, at Brooklawn Country Club, a par-72 course measuring 6,254 yards.
• Winner: Mary Mills claimed her first U.S. Women's Open title, finishing regulation at 301 (+13), tied with Sue Bernard.
• Playoff: An 18-hole playoff was held on July 14, where Mills shot a 75 to Bernard’s 78, securing the win.
• Historical context: This was the third major championship victory of Mills’ career, following wins at the 1961 and 1962 LPGA Championships.
• Significance: The 1963 tournament underscored the rising profile of women’s golf and the increasing parity among top players.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under the standard format for major golf championships, combining stroke play over four rounds with a playoff to resolve ties for first place. The 1963 edition followed this structure, culminating in a dramatic finish.

• Format: The tournament consisted of 72 holes of stroke play, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field.
• Playoff rules: In the event of a tie after 72 holes, an 18-hole playoff was conducted the following day.
• Course setup: Brooklawn Country Club’s layout presented challenges with narrow fairways and fast greens, testing precision.
• Scoring: Mary Mills shot 77-75-73-76 in regulation, then 75 in the playoff to win by three strokes.
• Field size: The tournament featured 60 players, with only the top 40 and ties advancing after the cut.
• Amateur participation: Several top amateurs competed, though none finished in the top 10, highlighting professional dominance.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1963 U.S. Women's Open to other editions reveals shifts in scoring, course difficulty, and competitive balance over time.

The table illustrates how scoring varied significantly based on course conditions and weather. The 1963 event was among the higher-scoring Opens of the era, reflecting Brooklawn’s difficulty. Mary Mills’ ability to win under pressure distinguished her from contemporaries like Wright and Rawls, who dominated earlier in the decade.

Why It Matters

The 1963 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event in the evolution of women’s professional golf, showcasing resilience, skill, and the growing competitiveness of the LPGA Tour during a transformative decade. It helped elevate the profile of female athletes in a male-dominated sports landscape.

• Legacy of Mary Mills: Her victory solidified her status as a top-tier player, joining an elite group with multiple major wins.
• Media attention: The playoff format generated increased press coverage, boosting public interest in women’s golf.
• Historical benchmark: The 1963 Open is often cited in discussions about pivotal moments in LPGA history.
• Player development: It highlighted the depth of talent beyond dominant figures like Mickey Wright.
• Course challenge: Brooklawn’s difficulty demonstrated that women’s tournaments could test the same skills as men’s events.
• Gender equity: Successes like Mills’ win contributed to slow but steady progress toward recognition and sponsorship for female athletes.

Ultimately, the 1963 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a statement about perseverance and excellence in women's sports, resonating far beyond the final putt.