What Is 1969 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1969 U.S. Women's Open was won by Donna Caponi at Prince George's Golf Course in Maryland. She shot 290 (+2) to claim her second U.S. Women's Open title, four strokes ahead of runner-up Sandra Spuzich.

Key Facts

Donna Caponi won the 1969 U.S. Women's Open with a score of 290 (+2)
The tournament was held from June 26–29, 1969, at Prince George's Golf Course in Landover, Maryland
Caponi claimed her second U.S. Women's Open title, having previously won in 1969
Sandra Spuzich finished second, four strokes behind Caponi
The purse was $25,000, with $5,000 going to the winner

Overview

The 1969 U.S. Women's Open was the 24th edition of the tournament and a pivotal moment in women's golf history. Held at Prince George's Golf Course in Landover, Maryland, it featured 18 holes of stroke play over four days in late June.

Donna Caponi emerged victorious, securing her second U.S. Women's Open title in just four years. Her performance solidified her status as one of the top players in the LPGA during the late 1960s.

Winner: Donna Caponi claimed victory with a four-round total of 290 (+2), winning by four strokes over Sandra Spuzich.
Dates: The tournament was played from June 26 to June 29, 1969, during the summer peak of the golf season.
Location: Prince George's Golf Course, a public course in Landover, Maryland, hosted the event for the first time.
Purse: The total prize fund was $25,000, with Caponi receiving $5,000 as the winner’s share.
Format: The event followed standard U.S. Women's Open rules—72 holes of stroke play with a 36-hole cut after the second round.

How It Was Played

The 1969 U.S. Women's Open followed a traditional structure, with players competing over four days on a challenging public course. Conditions were firm, and the course setup tested accuracy and endurance under summer heat.

Course Length: Prince George's Golf Course measured 6,200 yards, relatively short by modern standards but demanding due to narrow fairways.
Weather: Temperatures reached the upper 80s (°F) each day, increasing difficulty with humidity and fatigue.
Winning Score: Caponi’s 290 (+2) was the highest winning score since 1957, reflecting tough course conditions.
Runner-Up: Sandra Spuzich finished second at 294 (+6), marking her best U.S. Women's Open performance.
Notable Absences: Mickey Wright, a four-time champion, did not compete, having reduced her LPGA schedule by 1969.
Amateurs: Only three amateurs made the cut, underscoring the dominance of professional players.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1969 U.S. Women's Open to other editions highlights changes in scoring, prize money, and participation over time.

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Course	Winner's Purse
1969	Donna Caponi	290 (+2)	Prince George's GC	$5,000
1965	Mickey Wright	283 (−5)	Atlantic City GC	$3,500
1974	Kathy Whitworth	288 (E)	Scenic Hills CC	$15,000
1955	Ann Kocsis	303 (+15)	Forest Lake CC	$1,000
1989	Betsy King	278 (−10)	Medinah CC	$100,000

The table shows a clear trend: winning scores have generally improved, and prize money has increased dramatically. By 1989, the winner’s share was 20 times greater than in 1969, reflecting the growth of women’s professional golf.

Why It Matters

The 1969 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it reflected the evolving landscape of women’s sports during a transformative decade.

Legacy of Caponi: Her second title at age 23 made her one of the youngest multiple champions in the event’s history.
Media Coverage: The tournament received increased TV exposure, helping popularize women’s golf nationally.
Public Course Access: Hosting on a public course like Prince George's emphasized accessibility in U.S. Open events.
Competitive Depth: The top 10 finishers were separated by only 10 strokes, showing tight competition.
Historical Context: Held during the second-wave feminist movement, the event gained symbolic importance for gender equality.
LPGA Growth: The 1969 Open contributed to the LPGA’s rising profile, which saw membership grow from 30 to over 100 by the mid-1970s.

Today, the 1969 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not only for Caponi’s triumph but as a milestone in the professionalization and visibility of women’s golf.