What Is 19th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 19th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, held in 1964, stands as a landmark moment in women's golf history. Hosted at the San Antonio Country Club in Texas, the tournament brought together top players of the era during a pivotal time for the LPGA Tour. Mickey Wright, already a dominant force, claimed her fourth U.S. Women's Open title, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest.

This victory was particularly significant given the competitive field and challenging course conditions. The 1964 Open was played over 72 holes on a par-72 layout, testing endurance and precision. Wright’s consistency across all four rounds separated her from the pack, showcasing her renowned ball-striking ability and mental toughness under pressure.

• Mickey Wright won her fourth U.S. Women's Open title, joining an elite group with multiple victories in the event.
• The tournament was held at the San Antonio Country Club, a course known for its tree-lined fairways and small greens.
• Competition spanned from June 25 to June 27, 1964, with all four rounds completed within that window.
• Wright finished with a total score of 292 (+4), two strokes ahead of runner-up Ruth Jessen, who shot 294.
• The purse was $15,000, with $2,500 awarded to the champion—a modest sum by today’s standards but significant in 1964.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under strict USGA regulations, combining stroke play, qualifying criteria, and course setup to ensure fairness and challenge. Players must qualify either through sectional events or exemptions based on prior performance. The format includes four 18-hole rounds, with the lowest total score winning.

• Qualifying: Players must either earn an exemption or advance through sectional qualifying tournaments held weeks before the event. Exemptions are granted for past champions, top LPGA performers, and amateur standouts.
• Format: The tournament is a 72-hole stroke play event, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 players and ties.
• Course Setup: The USGA designs the course to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and firm greens to challenge even the best players.
• Scoring: The player with the lowest cumulative score after four rounds wins; in case of a tie, a playoff determines the champion.
• Eligibility: Open to professional and amateur female golfers worldwide, provided they meet handicap requirements or exemption criteria set by the USGA.
• History: First held in 1946, the U.S. Women's Open is the oldest of the five women’s major championships and has grown significantly in prestige and prize money.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1964 U.S. Women's Open with modern editions highlights dramatic changes in prize money, participation, and media coverage.

The table illustrates the evolution of the U.S. Women's Open over six decades. While Mickey Wright triumphed under much lower financial and media scrutiny, today’s champions benefit from global broadcasts, sponsorships, and record-breaking purses. Despite these changes, the core challenge of mastering a USGA setup remains central to the event’s identity.

Why It Matters

The 1964 U.S. Women's Open was more than just another win for Mickey Wright—it symbolized the growing legitimacy of women’s professional golf. Her performance inspired a generation of female athletes and helped elevate the LPGA’s profile during a formative era.

• Mickey Wright’s fourth title solidified her status as one of the greatest female golfers in history, with 13 major championships to her name.
• The 1964 event helped popularize women’s golf on television and in print media, increasing fan engagement.
• Wright’s dominance encouraged more young women to pursue golf professionally, expanding the talent pool.
• Her victory highlighted the importance of mental resilience and course management, traits now emphasized in modern training.
• The tournament contributed to the growth of the LPGA, which saw increased sponsorship and tournament numbers in the late 1960s.
• Historically, the 1964 Open represents a bridge between amateur roots and the modern era of professional women’s sports.

Today, the legacy of the 19th U.S. Women's Open endures not only in record books but in the continued expansion of opportunities for women in golf. Mickey Wright’s achievement remains a benchmark for excellence and perseverance.