What Is 1986 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1986 U.S. Women's Open was the 41st edition of the tournament, one of the most prestigious events in women's professional golf. Held under the organization of the United States Golf Association (USGA), it featured a competitive field of 156 players vying for the title at a challenging course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

The event culminated in a dramatic playoff between South African golfer Sally Little and American Jane Geddes, both of whom finished regulation at 298 (+6) after four grueling rounds. Little’s composure under pressure secured her first and only U.S. Women's Open championship, marking a career-defining moment.

• Sally Little shot a final-round 68 to force an 18-hole playoff after entering the day three shots behind the leader, showcasing remarkable resilience and precision under tournament pressure.
• The playoff was held on July 14, 1986, where Little defeated Jane Geddes by three strokes with a score of 73 to Geddes’ 76, securing her place in golf history.
• The course, Jack Nicklaus Golf Club at Great Waters, measured 6,358 yards with a par of 72, presenting significant challenges due to thick rough and narrow fairways.
• Prize money totaled $150,000, with Little earning $37,500 for her victory, reflecting the growing financial stakes in women’s professional golf at the time.
• This victory marked Little’s 12th LPGA Tour win and her final major championship, cementing her legacy as one of South Africa’s most accomplished female golfers.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a strict format governed by the USGA, combining 72 holes of stroke play with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. In 1986, the tournament included a playoff format in the event of a tie after regulation, which proved decisive.

• Format: The tournament consisted of 72 holes of stroke play, with an 18-hole playoff used to break ties—standard for USGA championships at the time.
• Eligibility: Open to professional and amateur female golfers who qualified via sectional tournaments or exemptions based on world ranking or past performance.
• Course Setup: The Jack Nicklaus layout featured narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens, with a course rating of 74.2 and slope of 132, increasing difficulty.
• Scoring System: Players’ total strokes over four rounds determined the winner; ties after 72 holes triggered an 18-hole playoff the following day.
• Weather Conditions: Hot and humid Alabama summer weather affected play, with temperatures exceeding 90°F during the weekend, impacting player stamina and ball roll.
• Media Coverage: The event was broadcast by ESPN and local affiliates, increasing visibility for women’s golf during a period of growing public interest.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1986 U.S. Women's Open to other editions highlights changes in prize money, course length, and player demographics over time.

The data shows a clear trend: course lengths have increased by nearly 1,000 yards since 1986, prize money has grown over 35-fold, and scoring averages have improved due to advances in equipment and player athleticism. These changes reflect the professionalization and growing commercial appeal of women’s golf.

Why It Matters

The 1986 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in the sport, both for Sally Little’s personal legacy and for the visibility of international players in American golf.

• Sally Little became the first South African woman to win the U.S. Women's Open, inspiring future generations of golfers from outside traditional golf powerhouses.
• The tournament highlighted the competitive depth of the LPGA Tour, with players from 12 countries participating, underscoring the sport’s globalization.
• Media coverage of the playoff boosted interest in women’s golf, contributing to increased sponsorship and TV contracts in the late 1980s and 1990s.
• Little’s victory demonstrated the importance of mental toughness, as she overcame a three-shot deficit in the final round to force a playoff.
• The event emphasized the USGA’s commitment to maintaining high standards of difficulty, with only 12 players finishing under par across the entire field.
• Historically, the 1986 Open is remembered for its dramatic finish and as a turning point in how major championships were marketed and televised.

Today, the 1986 U.S. Women's Open stands as a benchmark in the evolution of women’s golf, symbolizing both individual triumph and the sport’s expanding reach.