What Is 1968 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1968 United States Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the 23rd edition of the prestigious championship. Held at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, the event drew top professionals and amateurs competing for one of the most coveted titles in the sport.

Defying tough course conditions and strong competition, Sandra Spuzich claimed her first and only U.S. Women's Open title. Her victory was notable for its narrow margin and the pressure she withstood on the final holes to secure the win.

• Winner Sandra Spuzich finished with a four-round total of 299 (+11), the highest winning score in U.S. Women’s Open history at the time due to difficult course conditions.
• The tournament took place from July 11 to 14, 1968, during a period of transition in women’s professional golf as the LPGA sought greater visibility.
• Spuzich, an amateur-turned-professional, defeated Barbara McIntire, a two-time U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, by a single stroke in a dramatic finish.
• Moselem Springs Golf Club, a relatively unknown course at the time, measured 6,074 yards with a par of 72, challenging players with narrow fairways and thick rough.
• The 1968 Open was notable for its low prize purse—Spuzich earned $5,000, less than 10% of what the men’s U.S. Open winner received that year.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and follows a strict format designed to test the best female golfers in the world under the most challenging conditions.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: The tournament consists of four 18-hole rounds over four days, with the lowest total score winning; in 1968, all rounds were completed despite intermittent rain.
• Field Size: The 1968 field included 88 players, with 61 making the 36-hole cut, reflecting the USGA’s commitment to inclusivity while maintaining competitive standards.
• Qualifying Process: Players earned entry through sectional qualifying or exemptions based on prior performance, though international participation remained limited in the late 1960s.
• Course Setup: Moselem Springs was set up with firm greens and high rough, typical of USGA philosophy to emphasize precision and penalize errant shots.
• Amateur Eligibility: Despite being a professional event, amateurs like Barbara McIntire were allowed to compete, a tradition that continues today under USGA rules.
• Scoring System: The USGA used manual scoreboards and hand-tabulated results in 1968, as real-time digital scoring was not yet available.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1968 U.S. Women's Open to modern editions highlights significant evolution in prize money, course length, and player demographics.

The data shows a dramatic increase in competitiveness and professionalism. While 1968 featured grueling conditions and modest rewards, modern Opens benefit from advanced course maintenance, global talent, and significantly higher financial stakes.

Why It Matters

The 1968 U.S. Women's Open holds historical significance as a turning point in the recognition of women's golf, both for its competitive drama and its reflection of the era's gender disparities.

• Sandra Spuzich’s victory was her only major win, but it helped elevate her status in the LPGA and inspired future Midwestern golfers.
• The narrow margin over Barbara McIntire highlighted the growing depth of talent in women’s golf, even amid limited sponsorship.
• Low prize money underscored the gender pay gap in sports, a topic that would gain momentum in the 1970s with Title IX.
• Moselem Springs’ selection showed the USGA’s willingness to use lesser-known courses, promoting regional golf facilities.
• The event contributed to the professionalization of women’s golf, paving the way for future stars like Nancy Lopez and Annika Sörenstam.
• It remains a reference point for historians analyzing the evolution of scoring trends and course difficulty in women’s championships.

Though overshadowed by later developments, the 1968 Open remains a milestone in the journey toward equity and excellence in women’s sports.