What Is 1981 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1981 U.S. Women's Open was the 36th edition of the tournament, held from July 16–19 at LaGrange Country Club in LaGrange, Illinois. Pat Bradley won her first U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a score of 295 (+7), four strokes ahead of runner-up Beth Daniel.

Key Facts

Pat Bradley won the 1981 U.S. Women's Open with a total score of 295 (+7)
The tournament was held from July 16–19, 1981, at LaGrange Country Club in Illinois
Bradley claimed her first U.S. Women's Open title, one of six major wins in her career
Beth Daniel finished second, four strokes behind the winner
The course played as a par-71, measuring 6,275 yards for the championship

Overview

The 1981 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the 36th playing of the prestigious championship. Held at the historic LaGrange Country Club in LaGrange, Illinois, the event attracted top talent from around the world, competing for one of the most demanding titles in golf.

Pat Bradley emerged victorious, capturing her first U.S. Women's Open title and solidifying her status among the game's elite. Her win was notable for its consistency across four challenging rounds on a par-71 layout that tested every aspect of shot-making and mental toughness.

Championship Dates: The tournament took place from July 16 to July 19, 1981, during a hot summer week in suburban Chicago.
Winner:Pat Bradley claimed the title with a total score of 295 (+7), the highest winning score in U.S. Women's Open history at the time.
Runner-Up:Beth Daniel finished in second place at 299 (+11), four strokes behind Bradley in a tightly contested final round.
Course: LaGrange Country Club, a classic Donald Ross design, measured 6,275 yards and played as a par-71 for the event.
Historic Context: This victory was Bradley’s third career major, following wins at the 1980 LPGA Championship and 1981 Dinah Shore.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted under the rules and format established by the United States Golf Association (USGA), emphasizing precision, endurance, and course management over four grueling rounds.

Format: A 72-hole stroke play competition with a 36-hole cut after the second round to narrow the field to the top 60 and ties.
Eligibility: Open to professional and amateur female golfers who qualify through sectional tournaments or meet exemption criteria set by the USGA.
Course Setup: The USGA designs the course to play long and firm, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens to test ball-striking accuracy.
Scoring: The player with the lowest total strokes after four rounds wins; ties after 72 holes lead to a two-hole aggregate playoff.
Prize Money: In 1981, the total purse was $150,000, with $30,000 awarded to the winner—modest by modern standards but significant at the time.
Amateur Participation: Amateurs may compete but must surrender prize money if they finish in a paying position, preserving their amateur status.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1981 U.S. Women's Open with other editions highlights changes in scoring, course difficulty, and competitive depth over time.

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Course	Winner's Share
1981	Pat Bradley	295 (+7)	LaGrange CC	$30,000
1979	Betty Jameson	292 (+8)	Maple Bluff CC	$20,000
1985	JoAnne Carner	287 (−1)	Brooklawn CC	$50,000
1990	Betsy King	284 (−4)	Atlanta Athletic Club	$75,000
2008	Inbee Park	287 (−5)	Interlachen CC	$560,000

The table shows a clear evolution in scoring conditions and prize money. By 2008, advancements in equipment and training allowed lower scores despite tougher setups, while the winner’s share had increased nearly twentyfold from 1981 levels, reflecting the sport’s growing professionalism.

Why It Matters

The 1981 U.S. Women's Open holds lasting significance for the development of women's golf, both as a competitive milestone and a cultural touchstone. It showcased rising stars and underscored the importance of resilience under pressure, influencing future generations of players.

Pat Bradley’s Legacy: This win was the first of three major titles Bradley won in 1981, establishing her as a dominant force in women’s golf.
Course Difficulty: The high winning score of +7 emphasized how USGA setups prioritized challenge over scoring, a tradition that continues today.
Media Coverage: The event received increased national attention, helping boost visibility for the LPGA and women’s sports in general.
Historic Venue: LaGrange CC, founded in 1899, added to its legacy by hosting a USGA championship for the first time.
Competition Depth: The narrow margin of victory highlighted the growing parity among top players on the LPGA Tour.
Pathway for Amateurs: The tournament continued to serve as a proving ground for young talent aiming to transition to professional status.

Ultimately, the 1981 U.S. Women's Open remains a benchmark for competitive integrity and athletic perseverance. Its blend of tradition, difficulty, and drama exemplifies why the championship is considered the most prestigious event in women’s golf.