What Is 1991 United States Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1991 United States Women's Open was the 46th edition of the tournament, held from July 11–14 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Pat Bradley won her third U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 4-under-par 280, two strokes ahead of runner-up Amy Alcott.

Key Facts

The 1991 U.S. Women's Open took place from July 11–14 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas
Pat Bradley won the tournament with a 4-under-par 280 total, securing her third U.S. Women's Open title
Amy Alcott finished second, two strokes behind Bradley, with a 2-over 282
The event marked the first time the U.S. Women's Open was held at Colonial Country Club
Bradley became the oldest champion at 39 years, 11 months, since Betsy Rawls in 1953

Overview

The 1991 United States Women's Open was a landmark event in women's golf history, marking the 46th edition of the tournament. Held from July 11 to 14 at the historic Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, it was the first time this prestigious venue hosted the championship.

The tournament drew a strong field of professionals and amateurs, competing over four grueling days on a challenging course known for its tight fairways and small greens. The event showcased resilience, precision, and high-level competition, culminating in a dramatic victory by a veteran golfer.

July 11–14, 1991: The tournament spanned four days of stroke play, with the final round concluding on July 14 under intense pressure and high temperatures.
Colonial Country Club: Located in Fort Worth, Texas, this 18-hole course measured 6,289 yards with a par of 70, presenting a stern test for all competitors.
Pat Bradley: At age 39, she became the oldest winner since Betsy Rawls in 1953, winning her third U.S. Women's Open title and sixth major overall.
Final Score: Bradley finished at 4-under-par 280, two strokes ahead of Amy Alcott, who carded a 2-over 282 after a final-round 73.
Historic Achievement: Her victory made her the only woman at the time to win Open titles in three different decades (1970s, 1980s, and 1990s).

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play tournament, with a 36-hole cut after the second round to narrow the field. Players compete for the lowest aggregate score across four rounds, with tiebreakers decided by sudden-death playoff if needed.

Format: The tournament follows a 72-hole stroke play format, with no match play elements, ensuring consistency and fairness across all competitors.
Eligibility: Open to both amateur and professional female golfers who qualify through sectional tournaments or exemptions based on rankings and past performance.
Course Setup: In 1991, Colonial was set up at 6,289 yards with narrow fairways and fast greens, emphasizing accuracy over power.
Prize Money: The total purse was $800,000, with $125,000 awarded to the winner—Pat Bradley—marking one of the largest payouts at the time.
Weather Conditions: Temperatures exceeded 90°F during the week, increasing difficulty and testing players' endurance and hydration strategies.
Playoff Rule: In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff is held; in 1991, Bradley avoided this by winning outright.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1991 U.S. Women's Open with other editions from the same decade:

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Location	Winner's Age
1987	Ayako Okamoto	287 (+7)	Plainfield, NJ	35
1988	Amy Alcott	277 (−11)	Indianapolis, IN	32
1989	Betsy King	284 (E)	Dayton, OH	33
1990	Betsy King	280 (−8)	Chicago, IL	34
1991	Pat Bradley	280 (−4)	Fort Worth, TX	39

The 1991 edition stood out due to Bradley's age and the course's difficulty. Unlike previous years with lower scores, Colonial's tight layout led to higher scores overall, making her 4-under performance even more impressive. The tournament highlighted the growing competitiveness and depth of women's golf in the 1990s.

Why It Matters

The 1991 U.S. Women's Open had lasting significance in the evolution of women's professional golf, both for its competitive outcome and symbolic milestones. It demonstrated that experience and mental toughness could triumph over younger, more powerful players.

Veteran Success: Pat Bradley’s win at age 39 proved that seasoned professionals could still dominate elite tournaments against younger competitors.
Historical Context: Her third Open title placed her among an elite group of golfers with multiple major championships in different decades.
Media Coverage: The event received increased television coverage, boosting visibility for the LPGA and women's golf overall.
Course Challenge: Colonial's difficulty emphasized course management, influencing future course selections for major championships.
Prize Growth: The $125,000 winner's purse reflected rising investment in women's sports, though still lagging behind men's events.
Inspiration: Bradley’s performance inspired a generation of golfers, proving longevity and consistency were possible in professional golf.

Ultimately, the 1991 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in golf history, celebrated for its drama, difficulty, and the triumph of a seasoned champion under pressure.