What Is 1983 United States Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1983 United States Women's Open was the 38th edition of the tournament, held from July 21–24 at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jan Stephenson won the championship with a score of 285 (+1), securing her third major title.

Key Facts

The 1983 U.S. Women's Open took place from July 21–24 at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jan Stephenson won with a four-round total of 285 (+1), earning her third career major championship
Stephenson finished two strokes ahead of runners-up Patty Sheehan and JoAnne Carner
The tournament was played on a 6,235-yard course with a par of 72
This marked the first time the U.S. Women's Open was held in Oklahoma

Overview

The 1983 United States Women's Open was a pivotal event in women's professional golf, marking the 38th edition of the tournament. Held from July 21 to 24, it attracted a strong field of competitors aiming to claim one of golf’s most prestigious titles.

Played at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the event was notable for being the first U.S. Women's Open hosted in the state. Jan Stephenson emerged victorious, shooting a four-round total of 285 (+1) to win by two strokes.

Jan Stephenson claimed her third major title, having previously won the 1982 LPGA Championship and the 1977 Women’s British Open.
The course measured 6,235 yards with a par of 72, presenting a challenging layout for the field.
Patty Sheehan and JoAnne Carner tied for second place at +3, just two shots behind the winner.
Stephenson’s final round included a 71, which proved enough to hold off a charging field on a tightly contested Sunday.
This victory boosted Stephenson’s season earnings and solidified her status among the top players in women’s golf.

How It Was Played

The 1983 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard format of a 72-hole stroke play tournament, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 and ties.

Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest total score determining the champion.
Course: Cedar Ridge Country Club, a private course in Tulsa, was selected as the host venue for the first time.
Field Size: A total of 113 players started the tournament, including past champions and rising stars.
Cut Rule: After 36 holes, the top 60 players and ties advanced to the weekend rounds.
Weather: Players faced hot summer conditions, with temperatures averaging over 90°F during the week.
Prize Money: The winner earned $27,000 from a total purse of $180,000, the largest at the time for a women’s major.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1983 U.S. Women's Open compares to other major championships of the era:

Tournament	Year	Winner	Winning Score	Margin of Victory
U.S. Women's Open	1983	Jan Stephenson	285 (+1)	2 strokes
LPGA Championship	1983	Pat Bradley	279 (−9)	1 stroke
Women’s British Open	1983	Jan Stephenson	294 (+6)	3 strokes
du Maurier Classic	1983	Donna White	282 (−2)	1 stroke
U.S. Women's Open	1982	Jan Stephenson	288 (E)	1 stroke

The 1983 U.S. Women's Open stood out for its narrow margin of victory and challenging course conditions. While Stephenson won by two strokes, the tight leaderboard reflected the high level of competition and difficulty of the course setup.

Why It Matters

The 1983 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women’s golf history, showcasing elite performance under pressure and expanding the geographic reach of the tournament.

Historic Venue: It was the first U.S. Women's Open held in Oklahoma, broadening the tournament’s national footprint.
Jan Stephenson’s Legacy: Her victory cemented her as one of the leading international players of the early 1980s.
Competitive Depth: The close finish highlighted the growing parity in women’s professional golf.
Media Coverage: The event received increased television exposure, helping grow the LPGA’s audience.
Prize Growth: The $180,000 purse signaled progress in financial equity for women athletes.
Inspiration: The tournament inspired young female golfers across the U.S., particularly in the Midwest.

Overall, the 1983 U.S. Women's Open remains a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s golf, combining competitive excellence with expanding visibility and opportunity.