What Is 1971 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1971 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal event in women's golf history, marking the 26th edition of the championship. Held at the Atlanta Athletic Club's Highlands Course in Johns Creek, Georgia, it attracted top professionals and amateurs competing for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.

This tournament was notable for being the breakthrough victory of Kathy Whitworth, who had long been a dominant force on tour but had never won this particular major. Her win solidified her legacy and completed a near-grand slam in her career.

• Kathy Whitworth captured her first and only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a total score of 293 (+5) over four rounds.
• The event was played from July 1 to July 4, 1971, during the peak of the summer golf season.
• Whitworth won by three strokes, holding off a late charge from amateur Janet Alex, who finished second.
• The course, the Highlands Course at Atlanta Athletic Club, presented a challenging layout with narrow fairways and fast greens.
• With this win, Whitworth became the first woman to surpass $1 million in career earnings on the LPGA Tour later that year.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play championship, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. The 1971 edition followed this format, testing players' endurance, precision, and mental toughness under pressure.

• Format: The tournament consists of 72 holes of stroke play over four days, with a 36-hole cut reducing the field after the second round.
• Eligibility: Open to both professionals and amateurs, though over 100 qualifiers entered via sectional tournaments held across the U.S.
• Course Setup: The Highlands Course was set up at 6,231 yards with a par of 72, emphasizing accuracy over distance.
• Prize Money: The total purse was $100,000, with Whitworth earning $15,000 as champion—the largest winner’s share at the time.
• Scoring: Conditions were tough; the winning score of 293 (+5) reflected the difficulty, as no player broke 70 in the final round.
• Historical Context: This was the 26th U.S. Women's Open, part of a growing era of recognition for women’s professional golf.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1971 U.S. Women's Open to other years highlights shifts in scoring, competition, and prize structure.

The table illustrates how scoring has improved and prize money has increased dramatically over time. By 2000, winning scores were consistently under par due to advances in equipment and training, while financial rewards grew exponentially. The 1971 event stands out as a transitional moment, where the sport was gaining visibility but still operated on a modest budget compared to later decades.

Why It Matters

The 1971 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark moment for Kathy Whitworth and for the visibility of women’s golf. It underscored the competitive depth of the LPGA and helped elevate public interest in women’s sports during a formative era.

• Kathy Whitworth became the first woman to approach $1 million in career earnings, a milestone achieved shortly after this win.
• The victory was her 35th LPGA title, part of a record-setting career that included 88 wins.
• Her win inspired a generation of female golfers, proving that consistent excellence could lead to major success.
• The tournament highlighted the importance of mental resilience, as Whitworth held her lead despite strong pressure from Alex.
• It marked a growing era of media coverage for women’s golf, with more networks beginning to broadcast LPGA events.
• The event helped lay the foundation for future equal prize money advocacy in women’s sports.

Today, the 1971 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not just for Whitworth’s triumph, but for its role in advancing the status of professional women athletes in America.