What Is 1964 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1964 U.S. Women's Open marked a pivotal moment in women's golf history, showcasing one of the sport's most dominant players at her peak. Held from June 18 to 20 at San Antonio Country Club in Texas, the tournament drew a strong field of competitors vying for one of the most prestigious titles in women's golf.

Defending champion Mickey Wright returned to defend her title and delivered a masterclass in consistency and composure under pressure. Her victory solidified her legacy as one of the greatest female golfers of all time, adding a fourth U.S. Women's Open win to her resume—joining an elite group in the sport.

• Mickey Wright claimed her fourth U.S. Women's Open title, becoming one of only three women to achieve this feat as of 2024.
• The tournament was played over 72 holes on a par-72 course measuring 6,275 yards, presenting a significant challenge in hot Texas conditions.
• Wright finished with a total score of 292 (+12), two strokes ahead of runner-up Ruth Jessen, who shot 294.
• This win marked Wright’s 10th major championship victory, further establishing her dominance in the early 1960s LPGA Tour.
• The event drew national attention, with extensive coverage in Sports Illustrated and local Texas newspapers highlighting Wright’s skill and sportsmanship.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play championship, open to both amateur and professional female golfers who qualify through sectional tournaments or exemptions.

• Format: The tournament spans four rounds of 18 holes each, played consecutively over four days. Stroke play determines the winner based on the lowest cumulative score.
• Qualification: Players must either earn an exemption or advance through sectional qualifying tournaments held across the U.S. and internationally.
• Field Size: Typically includes 156 players, with spots allocated based on performance, rankings, and past champion status.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize precision, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens, often resulting in high scores like the 292 posted in 1964.
• Prize Money: In 1964, the total purse was $25,000, with the winner receiving $5,000—a significant sum at the time.
• Amateur Participation: Amateurs may compete, but only professionals or amateurs who make the cut are eligible for prize money distribution.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1964 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood by comparing it to modern editions of the tournament, highlighting evolution in scoring, course setup, and prize structure.

The comparison reveals significant changes in golf over six decades. While Mickey Wright battled heat and primitive course conditions to win with a score of +12, modern players benefit from advanced training, equipment, and course management, allowing lower scores despite longer layouts. Prize money has also increased dramatically, reflecting the growth of women's professional golf.

Why It Matters

The 1964 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event in sports history, not only for its competitive drama but also for its role in advancing women's athletics during a transformative era.

• Mickey Wright’s fourth title demonstrated sustained excellence, inspiring future generations of female golfers to pursue greatness.
• The tournament highlighted the growing professionalism of the LPGA Tour, which was founded in 1950 and gaining media traction by the mid-1960s.
• Wright’s sportsmanship and dominance helped legitimize women’s golf as a serious competitive sport, attracting sponsors and fans.
• The event in San Antonio brought national attention to Texas as a host for major golf championships, paving the way for future tournaments.
• Scoring at +12 underscored the difficulty of the course, reflecting the USGA’s tradition of designing challenging setups to test the best players.
• As one of the few players to win four U.S. Women's Opens, Wright joined Betsy Rawls and later Annika Sörenstam in golf’s most elite circles.

Today, the 1964 championship is remembered not just for the outcome, but for its contribution to the legacy of women’s sports in America. Mickey Wright’s victory stands as a testament to skill, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of golf’s most demanding test.