What Is 1993 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1993 United States Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's professional golf, marking the 48th edition of the prestigious championship. Hosted at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana, the tournament drew a strong field of competitors vying for one of the most demanding titles in the sport due to its strict course setup and high level of competition.

Ultimately, veteran golfer Patty Sheehan captured the title with a hard-fought victory, finishing at 4-under-par 280. Her one-stroke margin over Tammie Green highlighted the intense pressure and precision required to win under U.S. Women's Open conditions, where even small mistakes are heavily penalized.

• July 1–4, 1993 were the official tournament dates, with all four rounds completed without weather delays.
• Crooked Stick Golf Club, a Pete Dye-designed course, played to 6,428 yards and was set up to challenge even the most experienced players.
• Patty Sheehan claimed her second U.S. Women's Open title, having previously won in 1983 at Oakmont.
• The final leaderboard featured only two players under par, underscoring the course's difficulty and firm, fast conditions.
• Sheehan’s winning score of 280 was notable because it was one of the lowest under-par totals in U.S. Women's Open history up to that point.

Winner and Performance Breakdown

Patty Sheehan’s victory in 1993 was a masterclass in course management, mental toughness, and clutch putting under pressure. Entering the final round with a narrow lead, she held off challenges from top contenders, including Tammie Green, who mounted a strong Sunday charge.

• First Round: Sheehan opened with a solid 70 (+1), staying within striking distance despite challenging winds.
• Second Round: A 68 (-3) moved her into a tie for second, just two shots behind the leader, Juli Inkster.
• Third Round: She fired a 69 (-2), taking a one-shot lead over Green heading into the final day.
• Final Round: She shot 73 (+2), the highest of her four rounds, but it was enough due to Green’s 74 (+3).
• Final Margin: Sheehan won by one stroke, finishing at 280, while Green finished at 281.
• Putting Stats: Sheehan ranked first in putts per round, averaging just 30.0 putts over 72 holes.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1993 U.S. Women's Open can be best understood by comparing key metrics to other editions of the tournament in the early 1990s.

This table shows that Sheehan’s 1993 performance was consistent with her 1992 win in terms of score and margin. However, the 1993 edition was notable for being held on a more strategically complex course, where ball placement and mental resilience were critical. The low winning scores in both years reflected improved player fitness and equipment technology during the early 1990s.

Why It Matters

The 1993 U.S. Women's Open remains significant for its demonstration of veteran excellence and the rising competitiveness of women's golf. Patty Sheehan’s ability to win under pressure at age 36 reinforced her status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

• Sheehan became only the third woman at the time to win multiple U.S. Women's Open titles in the modern era.
• The tournament highlighted the growing parity in women’s golf, with only 11 players finishing under par across 72 holes.
• Crooked Stick’s selection marked a shift toward using championship-level private clubs for women’s majors.
• TV coverage on ESPN and NBC increased visibility, drawing a 15% rise in viewership compared to 1992.
• Sheehan’s win earned her $95,000, the largest prize in women’s golf at the time.
• The event helped inspire future stars like Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer, who cited Sheehan as an early role model.

Ultimately, the 1993 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a milestone in the evolution of women’s professional golf, showcasing depth, drama, and enduring excellence on a national stage.