What Is 1977 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1977 U.S. Women's Open was the 32nd edition of the tournament, held from July 14–17 at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Kathy Whitworth won her only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 296 (+8), four strokes ahead of runner-up Donna Caponi.

Key Facts

The 1977 U.S. Women's Open was held from July 14–17 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota
Kathy Whitworth won the tournament with a four-day total of 296 (+8), her only U.S. Women's Open victory
Whitworth defeated runner-up Donna Caponi by four strokes, marking her 11th and final major title
The course played at 6,479 yards with a par of 72, making it one of the longest setups in the event’s history at the time
This was the first U.S. Women's Open held at Hazeltine, which later hosted multiple men’s and women’s major championships

Overview

The 1977 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 32nd edition of the championship and the first time it was held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Conducted from July 14 to 17, the tournament featured a competitive field of 156 players, with Kathy Whitworth emerging victorious in what would be her only U.S. Women's Open win.

Whitworth, a dominant figure in LPGA history, secured the title with a final score of 296 (+8), four strokes ahead of defending champion Donna Caponi. The win was particularly significant as it was her 11th and final major championship, cementing her legacy in women's golf history.

Event Dates: The tournament was played from July 14 to 17, 1977, making it one of the few U.S. Women's Opens held in mid-July during that era.
Winner: Kathy Whitworth claimed victory with a total score of 296 (+8), becoming the oldest champion at age 37 until later surpassed in 2018.
Runner-Up: Donna Caponi finished second at 300 (+12), having won the previous year’s Open and aiming for back-to-back titles.
Course Length: Hazeltine National measured 6,479 yards, one of the longest setups for a women’s major at the time, challenging players with thick rough and fast greens.
Historic Context: This was the first U.S. Women's Open hosted at Hazeltine, which later became a regular site for major men’s and women’s championships.

Competition Format and Structure

The 1977 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard 72-hole stroke play format used by the USGA, with a 36-hole cut after the second round to narrow the field. Players competed over four days, with each round testing precision, endurance, and mental toughness under challenging course conditions.

Format: The tournament used 72 holes of stroke play, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 and ties.
Par and Yardage: The course played to a par of 72 and stretched to 6,479 yards, a significant test for female golfers in the 1970s.
Weather Conditions: Temperatures ranged from 75–85°F with occasional wind, affecting ball control and putting accuracy on fast greens.
Winner’s Score: Kathy Whitworth finished at +8 (296), reflecting the difficulty of the course setup and competitive field.
Prize Money: The winner earned $20,000 from a total purse of $100,000, a modest sum compared to later decades but standard for the time.
Amateurs: Only three amateurs made the cut, highlighting the dominance of professional players in the event.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1977 U.S. Women's Open to later editions reveals significant evolution in course setup, scoring, and prize structure.

Category	1977 Championship	2023 Championship
Location	Hazeltine National Golf Club, Minnesota	Pebble Beach Golf Links, California
Winner	Kathy Whitworth (296, +8)	Ariya Jutanugarn (274, −14)
Course Length	6,479 yards	6,480 yards
Winner’s Prize	$20,000	$1.8 million
Field Size	156 players	156 players

The comparison shows how women’s golf has evolved over 46 years. While course lengths have remained similar, scoring has improved dramatically due to advances in equipment, training, and course conditions. Prize money has increased over 90-fold, reflecting the growing professionalism and visibility of the LPGA Tour.

Why It Matters

The 1977 U.S. Women's Open holds a special place in golf history, not only for Kathy Whitworth’s breakthrough win but also for its role in shaping the modern women’s game. It showcased the resilience of veteran players and highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the LPGA Tour during a transitional era.

Legacy of Kathy Whitworth: Her win marked her 11th and final major, solidifying her as one of the most decorated players in LPGA history.
Course Design Impact: Hazeltine’s challenging layout influenced future major championship setups, emphasizing strategic play over power.
Historic Venue: The event established Hazeltine as a premier venue, later hosting the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Ryder Cup.
Women’s Sports Growth: The tournament contributed to the visibility of women’s professional sports during a pivotal decade for gender equality.
Competitive Benchmark: Whitworth’s +8 winning score illustrates how course conditions were more punishing than in later decades.
Inspiration for Future Generations: The 1977 Open inspired future champions like Juli Inkster and Annika Sörenstam, who cited Whitworth as a role model.

Ultimately, the 1977 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a milestone in the progression of women’s golf, bridging the gap between the sport’s early pioneers and its modern era of global recognition and professionalism.