What Is 1999 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1999 United States Women's Open was the 54th edition of the prestigious championship, marking a pivotal moment in women's golf history. Held from July 8 to 11, it took place at the Old Course at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, a layout known for its challenging design and tree-lined fairways.

Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the tournament attracted a strong international field of 156 players competing over 72 holes of stroke play. Juli Inkster emerged victorious, capturing her second U.S. Women's Open title and first since 1990, becoming the first mother to win the championship since Betsy Rawls in 1951.

• Championship format: The event followed a 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 players and ties.
• Winner's score: Juli Inkster finished at 282 (−6), two strokes ahead of runner-up Mardi Lunn, marking the lowest winning score since 1991.
• Historic significance: Inkster’s win made her the first mother to win the U.S. Women's Open in nearly 50 years, highlighting evolving dynamics in women's professional golf.
• Course conditions: The Old Course measured 6,655 yards and played to a par of 71, with narrow fairways and thick rough testing precision.
• Prize purse: The total purse was $1.6 million, with Inkster earning $220,000 as the champion, the largest winner’s share in Women’s Open history at the time.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is one of the five major championships in women's golf, administered by the USGA with strict qualifying criteria and course setup standards. It emphasizes precision, endurance, and mental toughness, with players facing demanding conditions and deep rough.

• Qualifying: Players must either earn exemptions based on performance or compete in 36-hole sectional qualifiers held across the U.S. and internationally.
• Course setup: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and firm, fast greens to challenge all aspects of a player’s game.
• Amateur eligibility: Top amateurs can qualify, and the low amateur is awarded the Silver Medal, as seen in 1999 when Kelli Kuehne finished T10.
• Historic winners: Past champions include Mickey Wright, Annika Sörenstam, and Karrie Webb, with Inkster joining an elite group with multiple titles.
• Global field: In 1999, 28 countries were represented, reflecting the tournament’s international stature and competitive depth.
• Media coverage: The event was televised by ESPN and ABC, reaching millions and boosting visibility for women’s professional golf.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1999 U.S. Women's Open with other major championships and past editions:

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open stood out for its tight scoring and competitive depth. While the winning score was higher than in 1998 and 1997, the challenging course conditions at Champions Golf Club made low scores difficult to achieve. The tournament also highlighted the rising competitiveness of the LPGA Tour, with players from over two dozen countries vying for the title.

Why It Matters

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open had lasting significance for the sport, both in terms of individual achievement and broader cultural impact. Juli Inkster’s victory as a mother of two challenged stereotypes about women balancing family and elite athletic careers, inspiring future generations of players.

• Trailblazing win: Inkster became the first mother to win since 1951, proving that motherhood and elite performance could coexist in women’s golf.
• Increased visibility: Extensive TV coverage helped grow the LPGA’s audience, boosting sponsor interest and media attention for women’s golf.
• Competitive depth: The top 10 finishers included players from six countries, underscoring the globalization of the women’s game.
• Historic venue: The Old Course at Champions Golf Club, designed by Dick Wilson, was praised for its fairness and challenge, setting a benchmark for future Open setups.
• Legacy of champions: Inkster joined an elite group of multiple-time winners, including Mickey Wright and Pat Bradley, cementing her Hall of Fame status.
• Impact on youth: Young players like Kelli Kuehne and Paula Creamer cited Inkster’s win as motivation, showing the tournament’s role in inspiring future stars.

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event, remembered not only for Inkster’s triumph but for its role in advancing the profile and professionalism of women’s golf on the world stage.