What Is 1968 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1968 U.S. Women's Open was won by Donna Caponi at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Pennsylvania. She finished with a score of 299 (+11), defeating Kathy Whitworth by two strokes in a dramatic final round.

Key Facts

Donna Caponi won the 1968 U.S. Women's Open at age 22, her second major title.
The tournament was held from July 11–14, 1968, at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania.
Caponi finished with a total score of 299 (+11), two strokes ahead of runner-up Kathy Whitworth.
The course measured 6,204 yards and played to a par of 72 during the tournament.
This was the 23rd edition of the U.S. Women's Open, organized by the USGA.

Overview

The 1968 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the rise of a new champion in Donna Caponi. Held at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, the event drew top players from around the world competing for one of golf's most prestigious titles.

After four grueling rounds, Caponi emerged victorious with a score of 299 (+11), defeating legendary golfer Kathy Whitworth by two strokes. Her composure under pressure, especially during the final round, solidified her status as a rising star in the LPGA.

Winner: Donna Caponi claimed her second U.S. Women's Open title, having previously won in 1969; however, 1968 marked her breakthrough as a consistent major contender.
Location: Moselem Springs Golf Club, a relatively modest course by major standards, hosted the event and presented challenges with narrow fairways and thick rough.
Dates: The tournament took place from July 11 to July 14, 1968, during a hot mid-Atlantic summer that affected scoring conditions.
Winning Score: Caponi’s 299 (+11) was among the higher winning totals in U.S. Women's Open history, reflecting the course's difficulty and weather conditions.
Runner-up: Kathy Whitworth, a dominant LPGA figure, finished second with a 301 (+13), narrowly missing her chance to claim her first Women's Open title.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under strict USGA regulations, emphasizing fairness, course setup, and competitive integrity. Players qualify through sectional events or exemptions based on rankings and past performance, culminating in a 72-hole stroke-play format.

Qualification: Over 1,000 players entered local and sectional qualifiers; only 120 advanced to the final field, including amateurs and professionals.
Format: The tournament uses 72 holes of stroke play; if tied after regulation, a playoff determines the winner—though no playoff was needed in 1968.
Course Setup: Moselem Springs was set at 6,204 yards with a par of 72, featuring small greens and penal bunkers to test precision.
Scoring: Each stroke counts; the player with the lowest cumulative score after four rounds wins, as Caponi did with her +11 total.
Penalties: The USGA enforces strict rules; a single stroke penalty could alter leaderboard positions, especially in tight finishes like 1968.
Equipment: Players used steel-shafted clubs and balata balls, standard for the era, which offered less control than modern gear.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1968 U.S. Women's Open with later editions highlights changes in scoring, course design, and player athleticism.

h2>Par

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Margin of Victory
1968	Donna Caponi	72	299 (+11)	2 strokes
1980	Donna Caponi	72	287 (−1)	1 stroke
1998	Se Ri Pak	72	278 (−10)	Playoff
2008	Inbee Park	72	276 (−8)	2 strokes
2018	Yoon-ji Shin	72	281 (+1)	1 stroke

The table shows how winning scores have generally decreased due to advancements in training, equipment, and course management. However, the 1968 Open remains notable for its high-scoring conditions and competitive tension, especially compared to modern dominance by longer hitters.

Why It Matters

The 1968 U.S. Women's Open was more than a tournament—it was a milestone in the evolution of women's professional golf. It showcased emerging talent, highlighted the physical and mental demands of major championship golf, and expanded media interest in the LPGA.

Legacy of Caponi: Her victory at 22 made her one of the youngest multiple-major winners at the time, inspiring future generations.
Media Coverage: National networks began broadcasting more LPGA events after 1968, increasing visibility for women athletes.
Course Design Influence: The difficulty of Moselem Springs led the USGA to emphasize balanced course setups in future Opens.
Gender Equity: Prize money was still modest, but the win helped fuel advocacy for better pay in women's sports.
Historical Context: Held during the feminist movement, the tournament symbolized progress for women in competitive arenas.
Player Development: Caponi’s success demonstrated the value of junior programs and structured training, shaping future LPGA pathways.

The 1968 U.S. Women's Open remains a touchstone in golf history—a blend of challenge, drama, and breakthrough that helped define the modern era of women’s golf.