What Is 1979 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1979 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the breakthrough of future Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan. Held from July 12 to 15 at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wichita, Kansas, the tournament featured a competitive field battling challenging course conditions.

Sheehan emerged victorious with a four-round total of 290 (+6), two strokes ahead of runner-up Donna Caponi. Her win was notable not only for its significance in launching a storied career but also for showcasing resilience under pressure on a difficult layout.

• Winner:Patty Sheehan claimed her first LPGA major title at the age of 22, finishing with a total of 290 (+6).
• Location: The event was hosted at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wichita, Kansas, a course known for its tree-lined fairways and tight greens.
• Dates: Played over four days from July 12 to 15, 1979, the tournament coincided with peak summer heat, affecting scoring conditions.
• Margin of Victory: Sheehan won by two strokes over defending champion Donna Caponi, who finished second at 292 (+8).
• Historical Significance: This victory marked the beginning of Sheehan’s rise as a dominant force, eventually leading to 35 LPGA wins and 6 major titles.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play championship with a cut after 36 holes. Administered by the USGA, it emphasizes precision, endurance, and course management under strict competitive standards.

• Format:72 holes of stroke play over four days; a cut reduces the field after 36 holes to the top 50 and ties.
• Eligibility: Open to professional and amateur female golfers who qualify through sectional or exemption pathways administered by the USGA.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses with firm fairways, fast greens, and narrow landing zones to test ball-striking accuracy.
• Scoring: The player with the lowest cumulative score after four rounds wins; ties are broken by playoff if necessary.
• Prize Money: In 1979, the total purse was $125,000, with Sheehan earning $20,000 as champion.
• Historical Context: The 1979 event was the 34th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, first held in 1946.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1979 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood through direct comparison with other editions in terms of scoring, venue, and key players.

The table illustrates how scoring conditions varied across years, with 1979’s 290 being relatively low compared to the higher scores in 1977 and 1978. The increasing prize money also reflects the growing professionalism and visibility of women’s golf during this era.

Why It Matters

The 1979 U.S. Women's Open holds lasting importance in the evolution of women’s professional golf. It not only launched Patty Sheehan’s legacy but also highlighted the competitive depth and rising standards of the LPGA Tour.

• Career Launch: This win was Sheehan’s first major, propelling her into elite status and leading to a Hall of Fame career.
• Competitive Benchmark: The tight leaderboard, with only two strokes separating first and second, underscored the high level of competition.
• Media Attention: The tournament received increased national coverage, helping grow the LPGA’s visibility during a formative decade.
• Course Challenge: Rolling Hills tested players with thick rough and narrow fairways, setting a template for future USGA setups.
• Historical Context: The 1979 event occurred during a transitional period when amateur and pro golfers competed side-by-side under USGA rules.
• Legacy: Sheehan’s performance inspired future generations, contributing to the professionalization of women’s golf in the 1980s and beyond.

Today, the 1979 U.S. Women's Open is remembered as a turning point—not just for one player, but for the sport as a whole.