What Is 1975 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1975 U.S. Women's Open was won by Kathy Whitworth at the age of 35, marking her only U.S. Women's Open victory. It was held from July 10–13 at the Country Club of Newport in Newport, Rhode Island.

Key Facts

Kathy Whitworth won the 1975 U.S. Women's Open at age 35.
The tournament took place from July 10–13, 1975.
It was held at the Country Club of Newport in Newport, Rhode Island.
Whitworth finished with a score of +6 (294) over four rounds.
She defeated runners-up Donna Caponi and Susie Berning by one stroke.

Overview

The 1975 U.S. Women's Open was the 30th edition of the prestigious championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at the historic Country Club of Newport in Rhode Island, it featured a competitive field of professional and amateur female golfers vying for one of the most coveted titles in women’s golf.

This event is particularly remembered for Kathy Whitworth’s breakthrough victory, her only win in this tournament despite a storied career. The course’s challenging layout and coastal weather conditions added difficulty, testing players’ endurance and precision under pressure.

July 10–13, 1975: These were the official dates of the tournament, held during the summer peak season in New England, contributing to variable weather conditions.
Country Club of Newport: A classic Donald Ross-designed course established in 1895, known for its narrow fairways and small greens, increasing shot accuracy demands.
Kathy Whitworth: At age 35, she claimed her sole U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a total score of +6 (294) over four rounds.
One-stroke margin: Whitworth edged out Donna Caponi and Susie Berning, who tied for second place, highlighting the tight competition throughout the weekend.
First prize: The winner’s purse was $20,000, a significant sum at the time, reflecting the growing recognition of women’s professional golf.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is a 72-hole stroke play tournament, with the lowest total score winning. Players compete over four days, with 18 holes played each day, and the field is often narrowed after 36 holes.

Format: The tournament uses a 72-hole stroke play format, with the winner determined by the lowest cumulative score after four rounds.
Eligibility: Open to both amateur and professional female golfers who qualify through sectional tournaments or exemptions based on rankings.
Qualifying: Over 1,000 players typically enter, with only around 150 advancing to the final field through regional qualifiers.
Course setup: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize accuracy and strategy, often with narrow fairways and fast, undulating greens.
Weather impact: Coastal venues like Newport can experience wind and rain, significantly affecting scoring and shot selection.
Scoring: In 1975, scoring was recorded manually and updated on leaderboards; electronic tracking systems were not yet in use.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1975 U.S. Women's Open with other editions in terms of key metrics:

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Location	Winner’s Share
1975	Kathy Whitworth	+6 (294)	Newport, RI	$20,000
1974	Sally Little	−2 (286)	Richmond, VA	$15,000
1973	Janet Alex	−7 (281)	Stamford, CT	$12,000
1976	JoAnne Carner	−2 (286)	Deer Creek, FL	$22,500
1972	Susie Berning	−1 (287)	Wilmington, DE	$10,000

The 1975 event stands out for its relatively high winning score due to course difficulty and weather, compared to lower scores in milder years. Prize money was also rising steadily, reflecting increased sponsorship and media attention in women’s golf during the 1970s.

Why It Matters

The 1975 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in the evolution of professional women’s golf, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure. It highlighted the growing competitiveness of the LPGA Tour and helped elevate the profile of female athletes in a male-dominated sports landscape.

Kathy Whitworth’s legacy: This win completed her set of major championships, cementing her status as one of the greatest female golfers in history.
Historic venue: The Country Club of Newport added prestige, being one of the oldest courses in the U.S. to host the event.
Media coverage: The tournament received increased television and print attention, helping popularize women’s golf nationally.
Prize growth: The $20,000 first-place prize signaled rising financial opportunities for female athletes in the mid-1970s.
Competition depth: The one-stroke margin demonstrated the narrowing skill gap among top players, raising the tournament’s drama and appeal.
USGA standards: The strict course setup reinforced the U.S. Open’s reputation for being the most challenging test in women’s golf.

Ultimately, the 1975 U.S. Women's Open remains a benchmark year, remembered for Whitworth’s triumph and the tournament’s role in advancing gender equity in sports.