What Is 1981 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1981 U.S. Women's Open was the 36th edition of the tournament, held from July 9 to 12 at La Grange Country Club in La Grange, Illinois. It marked a pivotal moment in Pat Bradley's career, as she captured her first U.S. Women's Open title after years of contending in major championships.

This victory solidified Bradley’s status as one of the leading figures in women’s golf during the early 1980s. The event drew top players from around the world and was notable for its challenging course conditions and tight leaderboard.

• Pat Bradley won the tournament with a four-round total of 292 (+8), overcoming tough weather and firm greens.
• The event took place at La Grange Country Club, a course measuring 6,375 yards with a par of 71.
• Bradley’s final round of 73 was enough to secure a two-stroke victory over runner-up Beth Daniel.
• She earned $30,000 as champion, the largest first-place prize in women’s golf at the time.
• This win marked Bradley’s third major championship, following her 1978 and 1979 LPGA Championships.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and features a 72-hole stroke play format with a cut after 36 holes. The 1981 edition followed this standard structure, attracting 156 players competing for the title and prize money.

• Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest total score winning; ties after regulation led to an 18-hole playoff.
• Eligibility: Open to all female professionals and amateurs with a USGA handicap index not exceeding 2.4, ensuring broad participation.
• Course Setup: La Grange CC was set up at 6,375 yards, presenting a challenge with narrow fairways and fast, undulating greens.
• Weather Conditions: Players faced wind and scattered rain, contributing to high scores; only 12 players finished under par.
• Prize Fund: The total purse was $150,000, with $30,000 awarded to the winner, a record at the time.
• Historical Context: This was the first U.S. Women’s Open held in Illinois since 1959, marking a return to a classic Midwestern layout.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1981 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood by comparing it to other major championships of the era in terms of scoring, course difficulty, and prize structure.

The table highlights how the 1981 U.S. Women's Open had a higher winning score due to course difficulty and weather, but still offered the largest purse in women’s golf that year. While men’s majors featured lower scores and higher payouts, the women’s event demonstrated growing professionalism and competitive rigor.

Why It Matters

The 1981 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event for women’s golf, showcasing rising talent and increasing financial investment in the sport. It helped elevate the profile of female athletes during a transformative decade for professional golf.

• Pat Bradley’s victory made her one of only a few women to win multiple major titles in the 1980s.
• The $30,000 prize signaled growing financial opportunities for women athletes, though still below men’s levels.
• The event drew national media coverage, including live broadcast segments on ABC Sports, increasing visibility.
• It highlighted the USGA’s commitment to gender equity by hosting a premier women’s event on a classic course.
• Bradley’s success inspired a generation of young golfers, particularly in the Northeastern U.S.
• The tournament underscored the competitive depth of the LPGA, with seven players within five shots of the lead entering the final round.

Overall, the 1981 U.S. Women's Open remains a significant milestone in golf history, reflecting both the challenges and progress of women’s professional sports during the early 1980s.