What Is 1992 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1992 U.S. Women's Open was won by Patty Sheehan, who claimed her third U.S. Women's Open title with a final score of 283 (+3) at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. The tournament took place from July 2–5, 1992, and featured a dramatic six-player playoff, the largest in the event's history.

Key Facts

Patty Sheehan won the 1992 U.S. Women's Open with a score of 283 (+3)
The tournament was held at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania
Final round occurred on July 5, 1992
Six players advanced to a playoff, the largest in U.S. Women's Open history
Sheehan won her third U.S. Women's Open title, having previously won in 1983 and 1984

Overview

The 1992 U.S. Women's Open was one of the most dramatic and memorable championships in women's golf history. Held at the notoriously difficult Oakmont Country Club in Glenside, Pennsylvania, the event tested the world's best female golfers on one of the most challenging courses in the United States.

Played from July 2 to July 5, the tournament culminated in a historic six-player playoff—the largest in the history of the U.S. Women's Open. Patty Sheehan emerged victorious, securing her third title in the event and cementing her legacy in women's golf.

Location: The tournament was hosted at Oakmont Country Club, a course known for its thick rough, fast greens, and punishing layout that consistently ranks among the top U.S. Open venues.
Winner: Patty Sheehan claimed victory with a total score of 283 (+3), overcoming one of the deepest fields in women's golf history.
Playoff size: A record six players advanced to the playoff, including Sheehan, Juli Inkster, and Pat Bradley, making it the largest playoff in the tournament's history.
Historic significance: Sheehan became only the fourth woman at the time to win the U.S. Women's Open three times, joining legends like Mickey Wright and Betsy Rawls.
Weather conditions: Players faced strong winds and firm fairways throughout the week, contributing to high scoring and a final winning score of +3, which was considered extremely competitive.

How the Playoff Unfolded

The final round ended in a tie at 283 (+3), forcing the unprecedented six-player playoff. The dramatic finish captivated golf fans and showcased the depth of talent in women's professional golf at the time.

Participants: The playoff included Patty Sheehan, Juli Inkster, Pat Bradley, Beth Daniel, Meg Mallon, and Nancy Lopez, all of whom were established stars or future Hall of Famers.
Format: The playoff was conducted as a sudden-death format, beginning on the 10th hole, and concluded after just one hole due to Sheehan's birdie.
Decisive moment: Sheehan sank a 12-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole, giving her immediate victory and avoiding a prolonged battle.
Historical context: This was the first time six players had tied after 72 holes in any USGA championship, male or female, marking a milestone in golf history.
Course difficulty: Oakmont’s USGA course rating of 77.5 and 146 slope rating made it one of the most difficult tests in women’s golf that year.
Prize money: The winner’s share was $140,000, part of a total purse of $1 million, reflecting the growing financial stature of women’s golf in the early 1990s.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1992 U.S. Women's Open stands out when compared to other editions due to its record-setting playoff and elite field. The table below highlights key differences between this event and other notable years.

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Playoff Size	Location
1992	Patty Sheehan	283 (+3)	6 players	Oakmont CC, PA
1984	Patty Sheehan	284 (+8)	None	Riviera CC, CA
1983	Patty Sheehan	292 (+12)	None	Riviera CC, CA
1978	Donna Caponi	292 (+12)	2 players	Sea Island, GA
1990	Betsy King	284 (+4)	2 players	Atlanta Athletic Club

This comparison illustrates how the 1992 event was unique not only in its playoff size but also in the competitive scoring under difficult conditions. The convergence of a legendary course and a star-studded leaderboard made it a landmark moment in USGA history.

Why It Matters

The 1992 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in women's golf, symbolizing both competitive excellence and the sport's growing visibility. Its record-setting playoff and the caliber of players involved elevated the profile of the championship and inspired future generations.

Legacy of Patty Sheehan: Her third title solidified her status as one of the greatest players of her era, joining an elite group with multiple U.S. Women's Open wins.
Media attention: The dramatic finish received extensive national coverage, helping boost television ratings and public interest in the LPGA Tour.
Historic field depth: The presence of five other Hall of Famers in the playoff underscored the high level of competition in women’s golf during the 1990s.
Course challenge: Oakmont’s difficulty proved that women could compete on the same demanding courses as men, challenging outdated perceptions.
Impact on future tournaments: The event influenced future USGA decisions to use more challenging venues for the Women's Open.
Symbol of perseverance: Sheehan’s victory at age 35, after battling injuries, served as an inspirational story of resilience and determination.

The 1992 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a landmark event that showcased skill, drama, and the rising stature of women’s professional golf on a national stage.