What Is 1998 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1998 U.S. Women's Open was the 53rd edition of the tournament, held from July 2–5 at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisconsin. 19-year-old Se Ri Pak won in a three-hole playoff over amateur Jenny Chuasiriporn, marking her first major title and a pivotal moment in women's golf history.

Key Facts

1998 U.S. Women's Open was held from July 2–5, 1998, at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisconsin
Se Ri Pak, age 19, won her first major title in a three-hole playoff
Jenny Chuasiriporn, an amateur, finished second in her first professional-level major
Pak shot 73-69-71-73 for a total of 286 (+2) to force the playoff
The victory launched a surge in popularity for women’s golf in South Korea and globally

Overview

The 1998 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in professional golf, marking a turning point in the global growth of women's golf. Held from July 2 to July 5 at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisconsin, it was the 53rd edition of the tournament and the only major championship that year to feature a playoff.

Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the event attracted 156 players competing over 72 holes of stroke play, with the winner determined after a dramatic three-hole aggregate playoff. The tournament gained lasting significance not just for its competitive drama but also for its cultural impact on the sport worldwide.

Location: Blackwolf Run, a Pete Dye-designed course, hosted the U.S. Women's Open for the second time, having previously hosted in 1992.
Winner: Se Ri Pak, a 19-year-old South Korean golfer, claimed her first major title, becoming the youngest winner since 1983.
Runner-up: Jenny Chuasiriporn, a Duke University amateur, stunned the field by reaching the playoff, finishing at 286 (+2) after consistent play.
Playoff Format: The three-hole aggregate playoff included holes 17, 18, and 17 again, with Pak winning 2–1 after birdieing the final hole.
Historic Impact: Pak’s victory sparked a surge in young female golfers in South Korea, leading to a generation of LPGA stars.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a standardized format governed by the USGA, combining rigorous qualification with a challenging course setup designed to test the world's best female golfers under pressure.

Qualification:156 players competed, with 100 earning spots through sectional qualifying and others via exemptions based on rankings or past performance.
Course Setup:Blackwolf Run played at 6,873 yards with a par of 72, featuring firm greens and strong winds that increased difficulty.
Scoring: The tournament used 72 holes of stroke play, with the lowest total score winning; ties after 72 holes led to a playoff.
Playoff Rules: A three-hole aggregate playoff was used, a format adopted in 1992, replacing sudden death for fairness and drama.
Prize Money: The total purse was $1.1 million, with Pak earning $165,000 for her victory—the largest first-place prize at the time.
Weather Impact: Wind gusts up to 25 mph affected shot accuracy, especially on exposed holes along the Wisconsin River.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1998 U.S. Women's Open differed significantly from previous editions and other majors in structure, competition, and legacy. Below is a comparison with key tournaments:

Event	Year	Winner	Winning Score	Playoff?
U.S. Women's Open	1998	Se Ri Pak	286 (+2)	Yes
U.S. Women's Open	1992	Patty Sheehan	278 (−10)	No
LPGA Championship	1998	Young Kim	279 (−9)	No
U.S. Open (Men)	1998	Lee Janzen	280 (−4)	Yes
Women's British Open	1998	Alison Nicholas	284 (−4)	No

The 1998 Women's Open stood out due to its dramatic finish and global implications. Unlike the men's U.S. Open that year, which also had a playoff, this event reshaped the landscape of women's golf by introducing a new international star. The combination of amateur success and international victory made it a unique chapter in golf history.

Why It Matters

The 1998 U.S. Women's Open had far-reaching consequences beyond the leaderboard, influencing participation, media coverage, and the globalization of women's golf. Its legacy continues to shape the LPGA and developmental programs worldwide.

Global Inspiration:Se Ri Pak’s win ignited a golf boom in South Korea, leading to stars like Inbee Park and So Yeon Ryu.
Amateur Impact:Jenny Chuasiriporn’s runner-up finish proved amateurs could compete at the highest level, inspiring collegiate golfers.
Media Attention: The playoff drew record TV ratings for women’s golf, increasing sponsorship interest in the LPGA.
Cultural Shift: The event marked the beginning of Asian dominance in women’s golf, changing recruitment and training models.
USGA Legacy: The three-hole playoff format was praised and reused in future events, enhancing viewer engagement.
Youth Participation: In South Korea, golf enrollment among girls rose over 300% in the decade following Pak’s win.

Today, the 1998 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not just for who won, but for how it transformed the sport. It remains a benchmark moment in the history of women’s athletics and globalization in professional golf.