What Is 1979 US Women's Open

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1979 U.S. Women's Open was the 34th edition of the tournament, held from July 12–15 at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut. Sally Little won the championship by one stroke over Jerilyn Britz with a four-round total of 293 (+13).

Key Facts

The 1979 U.S. Women's Open was held July 12–15 at Brooklawn Country Club, Connecticut
Sally Little won with a total score of 293 (+13), one stroke ahead of runner-up Jerilyn Britz
It was the 34th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, a major championship in women's golf
Little became the first South African woman to win the U.S. Women's Open
The course played as a par-71, longer than modern standards due to challenging conditions

Overview

The 1979 U.S. Women's Open marked a significant milestone in women's professional golf, serving as the 34th edition of the championship. Held from July 12 to 15 at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut, the event drew a competitive field of 120 players vying for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.

South African golfer Sally Little emerged victorious, claiming her first and only U.S. Women's Open title. Her final score of 293 (+13) was enough to edge out Jerilyn Britz by a single stroke, making it one of the closest finishes in the tournament’s history up to that point.

July 12–15, 1979: The tournament spanned four days, with challenging weather and course conditions affecting scoring throughout the week.
Brooklawn Country Club: A historic course in Fairfield, Connecticut, designed by Devereux Emmet and opened in 1895, it was the first time the U.S. Women's Open was held there.
Sally Little: Born in South Africa, she became the first woman from her country to win the U.S. Women's Open, a milestone in international golf representation.
Final score of 293 (+13): Reflecting the difficulty of the course, Little’s winning total was unusually high by modern standards, highlighting the course setup and weather impact.
One-stroke margin: The narrow victory over Jerilyn Britz underscored the competitive nature of the event and Little’s composure under pressure on the final holes.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a strict format governed by the USGA, emphasizing fairness, difficulty, and tradition. Qualifying rounds, course setup, and scoring rules are standardized to ensure a true test of championship golf.

120-player field: Participants included professionals and top amateurs who qualified through sectional or exempt status; only 60 advanced after the 36-hole cut.
72-hole stroke play: The tournament consists of four rounds; the player with the lowest cumulative score wins, with ties broken by playoff if necessary.
Par-71 layout: Brooklawn played longer than typical women's courses at 6,339 yards, with narrow fairways and thick rough increasing difficulty.
Weather impact: Rainy conditions softened the greens but slowed play and increased scoring difficulty, contributing to higher overall scores.
Prize fund of $100,000: The total purse was modest by today’s standards; Little earned $18,000 as the winner, reflecting the era’s sponsorship levels.
USGA oversight: The United States Golf Association enforced strict rules on course setup, including pin placements and rough height, to maintain championship integrity.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1979 U.S. Women's Open with other editions to illustrate changes in scoring, course length, and prize money over time.

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Course Length	Prize Money (Winner)
1979	Sally Little	293 (+13)	6,339 yards	$18,000
1985	Kathy Postlewait	292 (+16)	6,250 yards	$35,000
1994	Patty Sheehan	280 (−8)	6,517 yards	$150,000
2008	Inbee Park	278 (−10)	6,884 yards	$560,000
2023	Ayaka Furue	273 (−15)	7,040 yards	$1,800,000

The table shows a clear evolution in women’s golf: lower scores due to improved player athleticism, longer courses, and significantly larger prize purses. The 1979 event reflects an era when equipment, training, and financial support were far more limited, making Sally Little’s achievement all the more impressive under tough conditions.

Why It Matters

The 1979 U.S. Women's Open holds historical significance for both the LPGA and the broader narrative of women's sports. It highlighted international talent, exposed challenges in gender equity in golf, and set the stage for future growth.

First South African winner: Sally Little’s victory opened doors for more international participation in U.S. women’s golf championships.
Course difficulty: The high winning score emphasized how course setup could influence outcomes, prompting future USGA discussions on balance.
Media coverage: Limited TV exposure in 1979 contrasted with growing interest, helping push networks to invest in women’s sports.
Role model impact: Little’s success inspired young female golfers globally, particularly in countries with underdeveloped women’s golf programs.
Equity in prize money: The $18,000 top prize highlighted disparities, fueling advocacy for equal pay in golf that continues today.
Tournament legacy: The 1979 event is remembered for its drama and resilience, often cited in USGA retrospectives on major milestones.

As the sport evolved, the 1979 championship remained a benchmark for perseverance and excellence, reminding fans of the progress made and the challenges overcome in women’s golf.