What Is 1967 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1967 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's professional golf, marking the 22nd edition of the championship. Held at Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey, the event attracted top players from across the United States and abroad, showcasing the growing competitiveness of the LPGA Tour.

Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the tournament followed a 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes. Kathy Whitworth emerged victorious, capturing her sole U.S. Women's Open title and solidifying her status as one of the era's premier golfers.

• Kathy Whitworth won the tournament with a total score of 297 (+9), finishing three strokes ahead of runner-up Susie Berning.
• The event took place from June 29 to July 1, 1967, during a period of rising public interest in women's professional sports.
• Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey, served as the host venue, known for its challenging layout and thick rough.
• Whitworth earned a $3,000 first-place prize, the largest single payout in women's golf at the time.
• This victory marked Whitworth’s first and only U.S. Women's Open win, despite her 88 career LPGA Tour victories.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a standardized format governed by the USGA, combining rigorous qualification with a demanding course setup to identify the most consistent performer over four rounds.

• Format: The tournament uses 72 holes of stroke play, with a 36-hole cut reducing the field to the top 60 and ties for the final two rounds.
• Qualification: Players gain entry through sectional qualifying or by meeting exemption criteria based on prior performance or rankings.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast, undulating greens.
• Prize Money: In 1967, the total purse was $15,000, with the winner receiving $3,000—approximately 20% of the total.
• Amateur Participation: Female amateurs could qualify, though only four made the cut in 1967, none advancing beyond the third round.
• Scoring System: A cumulative stroke count determines the winner, with ties after 72 holes resolved by an 18-hole playoff the following day.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1967 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood when compared to other editions and contemporary men's events.

The table highlights the disparity in prize money and scoring conditions between genders in 1967, as well as the evolution of the tournament. While men's events featured larger fields and lower scores due to less punitive setups, the women's game was gaining recognition despite fewer resources. By 2023, prize money had increased dramatically, reflecting greater investment in women's golf.

Why It Matters

The 1967 U.S. Women's Open holds historical significance as a milestone in the professionalization of women's golf, occurring during a decade of growing visibility for female athletes.

• Kathy Whitworth became the first woman to surpass $1 million in career earnings, a feat achieved years later in 1981, partly due to wins like this one.
• The tournament helped elevate the profile of the LPGA Tour, which had only been established in 1950 and struggled for media attention.
• Whitworth’s win inspired a generation of female golfers, including future stars like Nancy Lopez and Annika Sörenstam.
• Despite progress, the $3,000 prize in 1967 was just 10% of the men's U.S. Open winner’s share, underscoring gender pay gaps in sports.
• The USGA’s involvement lent credibility and structure, helping standardize rules and course conditions across women’s championships.
• This event contributed to the eventual passage of Title IX in 1972, which expanded opportunities for women in sports at all levels.

Today, the 1967 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not only for Kathy Whitworth’s triumph but as a symbol of perseverance in the face of institutional inequality. It laid groundwork for future generations to compete on more equitable terms.