What Is 1977 United States Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1977 United States Women's Open was the 32nd edition of the tournament, held from July 7–10 at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Kathy Whitworth became the runner-up, while amateur Donna White finished third; the winner was Hollis Stacy, claiming her first of three U.S. Women's Open titles.

Key Facts

Winner Hollis Stacy won with a total score of 292 (+4) over four rounds
The tournament was held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota
Dates of the event: July 7–10, 1977
Stacy earned $25,000 as champion, the largest prize in women’s golf at the time
Amateur Donna White finished third, the highest finish by an amateur that year

Overview

The 1977 United States Women's Open marked a pivotal moment in women's professional golf, showcasing rising talent and established stars at one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Held at the challenging Hazeltine National Golf Club, the tournament drew top players from around the world aiming to claim the title and a record-breaking purse.

This edition was notable for its competitive depth and the breakthrough performance of Hollis Stacy, who solidified her status as a dominant force in women’s golf. The event also highlighted the growing professionalism and visibility of women’s sports during the late 1970s, a period of significant growth for the LPGA Tour.

Winner Hollis Stacy captured her first U.S. Women's Open title with a four-round total of 292 (+4), edging out defending champion Kathy Whitworth by one stroke.
The tournament was played at Hazeltine National Golf Club, a course known for its thick rough and tree-lined fairways, which tested even the most skilled players.
July 7–10, 1977 were the official dates, coinciding with the week before Independence Day, a traditional slot for the U.S. Women's Open.
Stacy’s victory earned her $25,000, the largest first-place prize in women’s golf history up to that point, reflecting the sport’s increasing financial viability.
Amateur Donna White surprised many by finishing third, marking the best performance by an amateur and drawing attention to emerging young talent.

Course and Competition Format

The 1977 U.S. Women’s Open followed the standard 72-hole stroke play format used by the USGA, with 18 holes played each day over four consecutive days. The course setup emphasized precision and consistency, with narrow fairways and fast greens challenging all competitors.

Stroke Play Format: All players completed four rounds of 18 holes, with the lowest total score winning; ties after 72 holes would have led to an 18-hole playoff.
Field Size:120 players started the tournament, including LPGA stars and top amateurs who qualified through sectional events.
Course Length: Hazeltine measured 6,356 yards for the event, playing as a par-72 layout with significant elevation changes.
Weather Conditions: Temperatures averaged in the mid-80s°F, with occasional thunderstorms affecting play on Saturday, causing minor delays.
Final Round Drama: Stacy entered the final day two strokes behind the leader but shot a steady 73 to overtake Whitworth, who faltered with a 76.
Scoring Average: The field averaged 74.8 per round, indicating the course’s difficulty and the high level of competition.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1977 U.S. Women’s Open with other major championships of the era highlights its significance in terms of prize money, competition, and course difficulty.

Championship	Year	Winner	Winning Score	First-Prize
U.S. Women’s Open	1977	Hollis Stacy	292 (+4)	$25,000
Women’s British Open	1977	Donna Caponi	302 (+14)	$12,000
LPGA Championship	1977	Donna Caponi	287 (−1)	$20,000
PGA Championship (Men)	1977	Dave Stockton	277 (−11)	$60,000
U.S. Open (Men)	1977	Hubert Green	278 (−2)	$50,000

The 1977 U.S. Women’s Open offered the highest prize in women’s golf that year, surpassing even the LPGA Championship. While still less than half of what male champions earned, it represented a significant step forward for gender equity in prize distribution.

Why It Matters

The 1977 U.S. Women’s Open was more than just a golf tournament—it symbolized progress in women’s sports during a transformative decade. With increased media coverage, higher stakes, and competitive depth, the event helped legitimize women’s professional golf on a national stage.

Hollis Stacy’s win marked the first of her three U.S. Women’s Open victories, establishing her as one of the era’s most consistent performers.
The $25,000 prize set a benchmark, encouraging more young women to pursue professional golf careers.
Television coverage by ABC Sports brought the event to millions, increasing public awareness and fan engagement.
Amateur Donna White’s third-place finish demonstrated the rising talent pool in women’s golf at the collegiate and junior levels.
The USGA’s decision to stage the event at Hazeltine signaled a commitment to using major championship-caliber courses for women’s events.
This tournament helped lay the foundation for future growth, culminating in larger purses and global recognition in the 1980s and beyond.

The 1977 U.S. Women’s Open remains a landmark event in golf history, remembered not only for Hollis Stacy’s triumph but for its role in advancing the status of women athletes during a critical period of social change.