What Is 1988 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1988 United States Women's Open was the 43rd edition of the prestigious championship, marking a pivotal moment in women's golf history. Held from July 7 to 10 at the Golf Course at Buck Creek in Indianola, Iowa, it was the first time the U.S. Women's Open had been contested in the state.

This tournament attracted a strong field of 156 players, including past champions and rising stars, competing for a $150,000 purse with $27,000 going to the winner. Patty Sheehan emerged victorious after a dramatic one-hole playoff against Cindy Hill, securing her second U.S. Women's Open title and sixth major championship overall.

• July 7–10, 1988: The tournament spanned four days during peak summer heat, testing players' endurance on the 6,350-yard course.
• Patty Sheehan: The champion finished regulation at 288 (+8), overcoming a final-round 76 to prevail in the playoff.
• Cindy Hill: The runner-up shot 73 in the final round to force a playoff after starting the day three strokes behind.
• Indianola, Iowa: The venue, a public course, underwent major renovations to meet USGA standards before the event.
• Attendance: Over 35,000 spectators attended, a record for a women’s golf event in the Midwest at the time.

How the Tournament Unfolded

The 1988 U.S. Women's Open was defined by tight scoring, weather challenges, and a dramatic finish that captivated fans and media alike. From the opening tee shot to the final putt, the competition showcased resilience and precision under pressure.

• First Round: Patty Sheehan opened with a 71 to take an early lead, while Betsy King shot 70 to stay within striking distance.
• Second Round: Sheehan extended her lead with a 73, finishing 36 holes at +3, two strokes ahead of Hill and King.
• Third Round: A tough course setup led to high scores; Cindy Hill surged with a 74, closing to within one stroke of Sheehan.
• Final Round: Both Sheehan and Hill finished at 288 (+8), forcing the first playoff at the U.S. Women's Open since 1984.
• Playoff: On the first extra hole, Sheehan made par while Hill bogeyed, giving Sheehan the title by one stroke.
• Course Conditions: Thick rough and fast greens led to an average scoring average of 76.2 for the week.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1988 U.S. Women's Open with previous editions in terms of scoring, venue, and prize money.

The 1988 tournament stood out for its challenging scoring conditions and the rise in prize money, reflecting the growing professionalism of women's golf. Despite the high scores, the event drew national attention and helped elevate the profile of female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports.

Why It Matters

The 1988 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event that underscored the competitive depth and growing visibility of women's professional golf. Its success in a non-traditional golf market like Iowa demonstrated the sport's expanding reach.

• National Exposure: ABC Sports broadcast the final round, reaching over 4 million households nationwide.
• Player Legacy: Patty Sheehan’s second title solidified her status as one of the era’s top players.
• Course Accessibility: Hosting on a public course highlighted opportunities for broader participation in golf.
• Prize Growth: The $150,000 purse marked a 12% increase from 1987, signaling improving financial support.
• Media Impact: Major publications like Sports Illustrated and Golf Digest featured the event prominently.
• Historical Context: The playoff finish was the first in the Open since 1984, adding drama and narrative appeal.

The 1988 championship remains a touchstone in women’s golf history, remembered for its competitive tension, historic venue, and role in advancing the sport’s visibility and equity.