What Is 1993 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1993 U.S. Women's Open marked a pivotal moment in women's golf history, showcasing resilience, skill, and dramatic playoff action. Hosted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), it was the 48th edition of the tournament and drew a field of 156 professional and amateur golfers from around the world.

Played at the Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana, the event was notable for its difficult course setup and unpredictable weather. The tournament concluded with Patty Sheehan claiming her third U.S. Women's Open title, overcoming strong competition in a high-pressure playoff.

• July 1–4, 1993 were the official dates of the tournament, held during the first week of July as per tradition.
• The Crooked Stick Golf Club, designed by Pete Dye, presented a challenging 6,421-yard course with thick rough and fast greens.
• Par was set at 72 for each of the four rounds, with only 12 players finishing under par for the tournament.
• Patty Sheehan entered the final round tied with Juli Inkster, forcing an 18-hole playoff the next day.
• Sheehan’s victory made her the first three-time winner of the U.S. Women's Open since the 1970s, joining an elite group.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a rigorous format designed to test the best in women’s golf through consistent performance under pressure. The 1993 edition adhered to standard USGA rules, including stroke play over four rounds and a playoff in the event of a tie.

• Format: The tournament used 72 holes of stroke play, with the lowest total score winning. If tied, an 18-hole playoff was held.
• Field Size:156 players qualified through exemptions, sectional qualifying, or exemptions based on rankings and past performance.
• Course Setup: Crooked Stick was stretched to 6,421 yards, with narrow fairways and undulating greens to challenge even top players.
• Weather Impact: Persistent wind and scattered rain during the weekend rounds increased difficulty, leading to high scoring averages.
• Playoff Rules: The 1993 event used an 18-hole playoff; Sheehan won with a 72 to Inkster’s 74 the day after regulation.
• Prize Money: The winner received $157,500 from a total purse of $1.05 million, the largest in women’s golf at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1993 U.S. Women's Open to other major championships highlights its unique challenges and historical significance:

The 1993 U.S. Women's Open stood out for its high scoring and playoff drama. Unlike other majors that year, only Sheehan and Inkster broke even par, underscoring the difficulty of Crooked Stick. The tournament’s emphasis on precision over power foreshadowed future USGA setups.

Why It Matters

The 1993 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event in women’s sports history, not only for Sheehan’s achievement but for its broader impact on golf’s competitive standards. It demonstrated that women’s golf could deliver the same intensity and suspense as men’s majors.

• Patty Sheehan became a role model for future generations, proving longevity and mental toughness in professional golf.
• The playoff format highlighted the need for endurance, with Sheehan outlasting Inkster in tough conditions.
• Crooked Stick’s design by Pete Dye influenced future course setups in women’s championships.
• The low number of under-par rounds (12 players) emphasized the USGA’s commitment to course difficulty.
• Media coverage increased significantly, boosting visibility for the LPGA Tour and women’s sports overall.
• The event helped elevate prize money standards, setting a benchmark for future tournaments.

Today, the 1993 U.S. Women's Open is remembered as a turning point that combined athletic excellence with narrative drama, solidifying its place in golf history.