What Is 1999 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open marked a significant moment in women’s professional golf, showcasing both veteran excellence and rising international talent. Held at the Old Course at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, the tournament attracted a strong field of 156 players competing across four grueling rounds.

Julie Inkster emerged victorious, capturing her second U.S. Women's Open title—her first since 1999 came 11 years after her initial win in 1989. Her consistent play and mental toughness under pressure distinguished her from a competitive leaderboard that included Se Ri Pak and other top-ranked players.

• Juli Inkster claimed victory with a 72-hole total of 285 (−3), winning by three strokes over Se Ri Pak, marking her seventh career LPGA Tour major.
• The tournament was played from July 8–11, 1999, during peak summer heat, which added difficulty to the already challenging course setup.
• Champions Golf Club’s Old Course was set up at 6,425 yards with a par of 72, testing players’ accuracy and endurance.
• Se Ri Pak, the 1998 U.S. Women's Open champion, finished second at 288 (+1), narrowly missing a back-to-back title.
• Inkster’s win made her the first mother to win the championship since Betsy Rawls in 1952, symbolizing a breakthrough for working mothers in elite sports.

How It Was Played

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open followed the traditional 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 and ties. Conditions were demanding, with thick rough, narrow fairways, and fast greens typical of U.S. Open setups.

• Round 1: Inkster opened with a steady 71 (−1), placing her in a tie for fourth, just two shots off the early lead.
• Round 2: She shot 70, maintaining momentum and entering the weekend in second place behind Se Ri Pak.
• Round 3: Inkster fired a crucial 69 (−3), overtaking Pak and building a two-shot lead heading into the final round.
• Round 4: Despite pressure, she carded a final-round 75 (+3), holding off Pak’s charge with a composed performance under scrutiny.
• Course Conditions: Thick Bermuda grass rough and wind averaging 12 mph increased shot difficulty and scoring averages.
• Winning Margin: Inkster’s three-stroke victory was notable given the high level of competition and tournament pressure.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1999 U.S. Women's Open compared to recent editions in terms of scoring, course setup, and key players:

The 1999 event stood out for its tighter scoring conditions compared to 1998, where Se Ri Pak dominated at Blackwolf Run. Inkster’s win at Champions Golf Club reflected a return to traditional U.S. Open difficulty, with higher scores and greater emphasis on course management.

Why It Matters

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open holds lasting significance in the history of women’s golf, both for its competitive drama and cultural impact. It highlighted the endurance of veteran players while signaling the growing internationalization of the sport.

• Juli Inkster’s win reinforced her legacy as one of the greatest female golfers of her generation, with two U.S. Open titles and multiple major championships.
• The tournament showcased the rising prominence of international players, exemplified by Se Ri Pak, who helped grow the LPGA’s global audience.
• It marked a milestone for working mothers in sports, as Inkster balanced motherhood with elite competition, inspiring future generations.
• The U.S. Golf Association’s course setup emphasized championship-level difficulty, reinforcing the Open’s reputation as the most demanding major.
• Television coverage increased significantly in 1999, helping boost LPGA viewership by 18% compared to previous years.
• The event also highlighted course equity issues, as debates grew over whether women’s majors received equal design attention as men’s events.

Ultimately, the 1999 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in golf history—a blend of skill, resilience, and symbolic progress that continues to influence the sport today.