What Is 1987 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open was the 42nd edition of the prestigious championship, held annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA). It marked a breakthrough moment for English golfer Laura Davies, who claimed her first major title in dramatic fashion.

Played at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey, the tournament featured a highly competitive field under challenging course conditions. The event drew top professionals and amateurs, showcasing both endurance and precision in one of golf’s most demanding tests.

• Course setup: Plainfield Country Club was configured to play 6,440 yards, a par-71 layout that tested even the most experienced players with thick rough and firm greens.
• Winner: Laura Davies, then 23 years old, captured her first major title, becoming the first British woman to win the U.S. Women's Open since 1909.
• Winning score: Davies finished with a total of 293 (+9), one stroke ahead of Ayako Okamoto, highlighting the difficulty of the course conditions.
• Tournament dates: The event was held from July 2 to July 5, 1987, during a heatwave that added to the physical strain on competitors.
• Historic significance: Davies’ victory helped elevate the profile of women’s golf in Europe and inspired a new generation of international players.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates as a 72-hole stroke play championship, with the lowest total score winning. In the event of a tie after regulation, a two-hole aggregate playoff is held; if still tied, a sudden-death playoff ensues.

• Format:72 holes of stroke play are completed over four days, with 18 holes played each day. The player with the lowest cumulative score wins.
• Eligibility: The tournament is open to both professionals and amateurs, though handicap limits apply (maximum 2.4 for non-exempt players).
• Qualifying: Most entrants must go through sectional qualifying tournaments held across the U.S. and internationally, with over 1,000 applicants vying for limited spots.
• Playoff rules: In 1987, a sudden-death playoff was used if scores were tied after 72 holes, though no playoff was needed as Davies won by one stroke.
• Course conditions: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize accuracy, often with narrow fairways and fast, undulating greens, increasing scoring difficulty.
• Prize money: The 1987 purse was $200,000, with $35,000 awarded to the winner—relatively modest by modern standards but significant at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood when compared to other major championships and editions of the same event.

The 1987 edition stood out due to its higher-than-average scoring, reflecting the tough setup at Plainfield. Unlike previous years where lower scores were common, the +9 winning total emphasized course difficulty and weather conditions. This trend of high scoring was less common in the early 1980s, making Davies’ win under pressure particularly impressive.

Why It Matters

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open had lasting implications for the sport, influencing both player development and the globalization of women’s golf. It highlighted the growing competitiveness of international players and the evolving standards of major championships.

• International breakthrough: Laura Davies’ win signaled the rise of non-American players in women’s golf, paving the way for future stars from Europe and Asia.
• Increased visibility: The close finish and dramatic weather conditions attracted national television coverage, boosting public interest in the LPGA Tour.
• Course design philosophy: The high scoring reinforced the USGA’s reputation for setting up challenging, fair courses that test all aspects of a golfer’s game.
• Legacy of Davies: This victory launched Davies into stardom, leading to a career with over 80 worldwide wins and eventual LPGA Hall of Fame induction.
• Amateur participation: The tournament continued to attract top amateurs, with 15 amateurs competing in 1987, seven of whom made the cut.
• Historical benchmark: The 1987 Open is often cited in discussions about most difficult U.S. Women’s Opens due to its high winning score and narrow margin of victory.

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in golf history, remembered for its intensity, competitive depth, and role in shaping the modern era of women’s professional golf.