What Is 1998 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1998 U.S. Women's Open remains one of the most memorable events in women's golf history due to the unexpected rise of amateur Jenny Chuasiriporn and the emergence of Se Ri Pak as a global star. Held at the Blackwolf Run Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin, the tournament captured national attention with its dramatic finish and record-breaking fan turnout.

The championship tested players across four grueling days in humid summer conditions, with the course playing at 6,526 yards and a par of 72. Despite being an amateur, Chuasiriporn displayed remarkable composure, finishing regulation tied at 287 (+3) with Pak, forcing an 18-hole playoff the following day.

• Jenny Chuasiriporn, a 20-year-old Duke University student, became the first amateur to reach the playoff since 1974, marking a rare achievement in modern U.S. Women's Open history.
• The tournament was held from July 23 to 26, 1998, with the playoff extending into July 27, making it a five-day event due to weather delays.
• Blackwolf Run's River Course was designed by Pete Dye and played as a par-72, measuring 6,526 yards for the championship, challenging even seasoned professionals.
• Se Ri Pak, a 20-year-old from South Korea, entered the tournament ranked outside the top 100 but emerged as a global sensation after her victory.
• Attendance exceeded 100,000 fans over the week, setting a new benchmark for fan engagement in women's golf events at the time.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a strict format combining 72 holes of stroke play with a sudden-death or 18-hole playoff if needed to break ties. In 1998, the tournament used an 18-hole playoff, which extended to 91 total holes—the longest in the event's history.

• Format: The U.S. Women's Open consists of 72 holes of stroke play over four days. If two or more players are tied after regulation, a playoff determines the winner.
• Playoff Rules: In 1998, the USGA used an 18-hole playoff; if still tied, sudden death would follow. Pak and Chuasiriporn played all 18 holes, with Pak winning by one stroke.
• Amateur Status: Jenny Chuasiriporn competed as an amateur, meaning she did not accept prize money—she received a medal but not the $165,000 first-place check.
• Course Setup: Blackwolf Run was set up with narrow fairways and thick rough, leading to a scoring average of 74.3 in the first round, one of the highest in Open history.
• Weather Impact: Rain delays pushed the final round into Monday, adding physical strain and contributing to the emotional intensity of the playoff.
• Global Impact: Se Ri Pak’s win sparked a golf boom in South Korea, leading to a generation of Korean players dominating the LPGA in the 2000s and 2010s.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1998 U.S. Women's Open stands out when compared to other editions due to its unique amateur-pro storyline, record attendance, and global impact. The table below highlights key differences with other notable years.

This comparison shows how the 1998 event was unique not for low scoring but for its narrative and cultural significance. While later years saw lower scores and younger champions, none matched the 1998 Open's blend of drama, amateur success, and international impact.

Why It Matters

The 1998 U.S. Women's Open had a lasting impact on the sport of golf, particularly in expanding its global reach and inspiring future generations. Its legacy endures in both statistical records and cultural influence.

• Se Ri Pak’s victory catalyzed a surge in golf popularity across Asia, especially in South Korea, where youth participation increased by over 300% in the decade following.
• Jenny Chuasiriporn’s performance proved that amateurs could compete at the highest level, reinvigorating interest in collegiate golf programs.
• The 100,000+ attendance demonstrated that women’s golf could draw massive live audiences, influencing future tournament site selections.
• The 91-hole format led the USGA to revise playoff rules in 2000, switching to sudden death after 18 holes to reduce physical strain.
• Media coverage surged, with ABC and ESPN broadcasting the playoff live, reaching an estimated 4.2 million viewers at its peak.
• The tournament helped secure increased sponsorship for the LPGA, with prize money rising by 22% over the next three years.

Ultimately, the 1998 U.S. Women's Open transcended sport, becoming a cultural milestone that reshaped perceptions of women’s golf and opened doors for international talent.