What Is 1973 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1973 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the 28th edition of the prestigious championship. Held at the Jack O'Leno Course at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, the event attracted top female golfers from around the world competing for one of the most coveted titles in the sport.

Amid challenging weather and tough course conditions, Susie Maxwell Berning emerged victorious, capturing her third U.S. Women's Open title. Her win placed her among an elite group of golfers and highlighted the growing competitiveness of women's professional golf during the early 1970s.

• July 12–15, 1973 marks the exact dates of the tournament, held during mid-summer in Houston, where high humidity affected player performance throughout the four rounds.
• The venue, Champions Golf Club, was designed by Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret, lending a prestigious Southern flair to the championship setup and course layout.
• Susie Maxwell Berning won with a total score of 303 (+11), overcoming difficult greens and inconsistent weather to secure her third title in seven years.
• This victory made Berning one of only a few players at the time to win three U.S. Women's Open championships, joining legends like Babe Zaharias and Louise Suggs.
• Jo Ann Washam finished in second place, just three strokes behind Berning, marking her best performance in a major championship during her professional career.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a strict format governed by the USGA, designed to test skill, endurance, and mental toughness under pressure. Players compete over four rounds of 18 holes, with the lowest total score determining the champion, and ties broken by an 18-hole playoff the next day.

• Format: The tournament is a 72-hole stroke play event, with the top 60 players and ties advancing after the second round to compete in the weekend rounds.
• Eligibility: Open to all female professionals and amateurs with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4, ensuring broad but competitive access to the field.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens, often resulting in scoring averages above par, as seen in 1973.
• Playoff Rule: If two or more players tie for first, an 18-hole playoff is held the following day; if still tied, it goes to sudden death.
• Prize Money: In 1973, the total purse was $100,000, with Berning earning $17,500 as champion, a significant sum for women's sports at the time.
• Amateur Participation: Several amateurs competed, but none finished in the top 10, underscoring the dominance of seasoned professionals in this era.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1973 U.S. Women's Open to modern editions reveals key differences in format, prize money, and player field size.

The table highlights dramatic growth in prize money and field size over 50 years, reflecting the increased visibility and investment in women's golf. While scoring has improved due to advances in equipment and training, the 1973 event remains notable for its high winning score, a testament to the course's difficulty and playing conditions.

Why It Matters

The 1973 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it symbolized progress and perseverance in women's sports during a transformative decade. As the LPGA gained momentum, events like this helped secure media attention and sponsor interest, paving the way for future generations.

• Susie Berning's third win demonstrated longevity and excellence, inspiring young golfers to pursue careers in the sport despite limited resources at the time.
• The tournament occurred just one year after the formation of the LPGA Tour's official money list, adding significance to prize earnings and rankings.
• It showcased the growing professionalism of women athletes, many of whom balanced careers with limited support systems and public recognition.
• Media coverage, though modest, helped expand the visibility of women's golf beyond regional audiences to a national stage.
• The event highlighted the importance of USGA governance in maintaining fairness, consistency, and competitive integrity across decades.
• By 1973, the U.S. Women's Open had become a cornerstone of the LPGA calendar, drawing top talent and shaping the legacy of the sport.

Today, the 1973 championship is remembered not only for Berning’s triumph but as a milestone in the broader journey toward gender equity in sports, underscoring the resilience and skill of early female golf pioneers.