What Is 1995 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1995 U.S. Women's Open was the 50th edition of the tournament, held from July 13–16 at the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Annika Sörenstam won her first U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a score of 280 (−8), four strokes ahead of runner-up Nancy Lopez.

Key Facts

The 1995 U.S. Women's Open marked the 50th anniversary of the championship.
It was held from July 13–16, 1995, at the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs.
Annika Sörenstam won her first U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 280 (−8).
She defeated Nancy Lopez by four strokes, the largest margin of victory that year.
The course played at 6,694 yards with a par of 71 during the tournament.

Overview

The 1995 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's golf, celebrating the 50th edition of one of the sport's most prestigious championships. Held at the historic Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the tournament attracted a strong field of professionals and amateurs vying for one of the most coveted titles in golf.

Annika Sörenstam emerged as the champion, claiming her first U.S. Women's Open title in dominant fashion. Her victory marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as a leading figure in women's golf during the mid-1990s.

July 13–16, 1995: The tournament spanned four days at the Broadmoor Golf Club, a challenging course situated at high elevation, which affected ball flight and player strategy.
Annika Sörenstam: The 24-year-old Swedish golfer won her first major championship with a final score of 280 (−8), becoming the first European-born winner since 1985.
Nancy Lopez: A fan favorite and three-time major champion, Lopez finished second at 284 (−4), narrowly missing her chance at a fourth U.S. Women's Open title.
Course conditions: The Broadmoor's East Course played at 6,694 yards with a par of 71, presenting players with narrow fairways and thick rough.
Historic milestone: As the 50th U.S. Women's Open, the event was commemorated with special ceremonies and a detailed historical exhibit at the venue.

Championship Format and Play

The U.S. Women's Open follows a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with a 36-hole cut after the second round to narrow the field. The 1995 edition featured 156 players competing for a $200,000 purse, with the winner receiving $300,000—the largest first-place prize in women's golf at the time.

72-Hole Stroke Play: The tournament consists of four rounds of stroke play, with the lowest total score after 72 holes determining the champion.
36-Hole Cut: After 36 holes, the field is reduced to the low 60 scores and ties, ensuring only the top performers continue to the final rounds.
Amateur Participation: The field included 18 amateurs, with three making the cut, including future LPGA player Kellee Booth.
Elevation Impact: At 6,000 feet above sea level, the thin air at Broadmoor increased ball carry distance, affecting club selection and yardage calculations.
Weather Conditions: Players faced fluctuating temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms, with play delayed by lightning on Saturday afternoon.
Prize Money: The $200,000 purse was the largest in the event's history up to that point, with Sörenstam earning $300,000 as the winner.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1995 U.S. Women's Open with other major women's championships from that year:

Tournament	Winner	Winning Score	Margin	Location
U.S. Women's Open	Annika Sörenstam	280 (−8)	4 strokes	Colorado Springs, CO
LPGA Championship	Pat Bradley	278 (−10)	1 stroke	Eastchester, NY
du Maurier Classic	Juli Inkster	279 (−9)	2 strokes	King City, ON
Women's British Open	Julie Hall	287 (−1)	3 strokes	Sunningdale, ENG
Takefuji Classic	Hiromi Kobayashi	270 (−18)	5 strokes	Fort Lauderdale, FL

The 1995 U.S. Women's Open stood out for its competitive field and challenging course conditions. Unlike other majors that year, the high-altitude setting at Broadmoor added a unique physical and technical dimension, making Sörenstam's performance even more impressive. Her composure under pressure and consistent ball-striking set her apart from the field.

Why It Matters

The 1995 U.S. Women's Open had lasting significance for the LPGA and women's golf globally. Sörenstam's victory not only launched her into superstardom but also inspired a new generation of international players to pursue careers in professional golf.

Globalization of Golf: Sörenstam's win highlighted the growing international presence in the LPGA, with players from over 15 countries competing.
Increased Media Coverage: The tournament received record television ratings, boosting visibility for women's golf in the mid-1990s.
Legacy of Broadmoor: The course's successful hosting led to future USGA events, including the 2011 U.S. Women's Open.
Player Development: The event inspired junior golf programs across the U.S., particularly in Colorado and the Mountain West.
Historic Milestone: As the 50th edition, it reinforced the tournament's status as a cornerstone of women's sports history.
Impact on Sörenstam: This win marked the beginning of a dominant decade for Sörenstam, who would go on to win 10 major titles.

The 1995 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in golf history, symbolizing both athletic excellence and the evolving landscape of women's professional sports. Its legacy endures through continued growth in participation, viewership, and global recognition of women's golf.