What Is 1st U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The first U.S. Women's Open was held in 1946 at Spokane Country Club in Washington, won by Patty Berg with a score of 7-over-par 303. It was established by the Women's Professional Golf Association (WPGA), a precursor to the LPGA.

Key Facts

The first U.S. Women's Open took place in 1946
Patty Berg won the inaugural tournament
It was held at Spokane Country Club, Washington
Berg finished with a 7-over-par 303
The event was organized by the WPGA, before the LPGA formed in 1950

Overview

The U.S. Women's Open is the longest-running and most prestigious championship in women's professional golf. Established in 1946, it predates the formation of the LPGA by four years and has since become one of the five major championships in women's golf.

Organized initially by the Women's Professional Golf Association (WPGA), the tournament was designed to elevate the status of women's golf and provide a national competitive platform. Over the decades, it has grown in stature, prize money, and global participation, reflecting the evolution of women's sports.

Patty Berg claimed victory in the first U.S. Women's Open with a score of 303 (+7), winning by three strokes over Betty Jameson.
The tournament was held at Spokane Country Club in Spokane, Washington, a public course that hosted the event from June 27–30, 1946.
With a purse of $10,000, the 1946 event offered the largest prize in women's golf at the time, with Berg earning $1,000 as champion.
The format was 72 holes of stroke play, a standard that continues today, distinguishing it from match play events of the era.
The WPGA, founded in 1944, organized the Open before the LPGA was established in 1950, marking a pivotal moment in professionalizing women's golf.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under strict USGA regulations, ensuring fairness and consistency across venues and years. From qualifying procedures to course setup, every detail is designed to test the world's best female golfers.

Eligibility: Any female professional or amateur with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4 can enter. Players must also meet specific exemption criteria or go through sectional qualifying.
Qualifying: Over 1,200 entrants compete in regional qualifiers held across the U.S. and internationally. Approximately 70–80 players earn spots annually through this process.
Format: The tournament spans four days of 18-hole rounds, totaling 72 holes. If players are tied after regulation, a two-hole aggregate playoff is used, followed by sudden death if needed.
Course Setup: The USGA sets courses to play at 6,200–6,700 yards, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and firm greens to challenge accuracy and mental toughness.
Exemptions: Past champions, top finishers from previous Opens, and leading players from the Rolex Rankings receive automatic entry, reducing the need for qualifying.
Prize Money: The purse has grown from $10,000 in 1946 to $10 million in 2024, with the winner receiving $1.8 million, reflecting increased investment in women's sports.

Comparison at a Glance

The U.S. Women's Open differs from other major golf championships in format, history, and structure. The table below highlights key distinctions.

Championship	First Held	Organizer	Format	2024 Winner's Share
U.S. Women's Open	1946	USGA	72-hole stroke play	$1.8 million
Women's PGA Championship	1946 (as WPGA Championship)	LPGA/PGA of America	72-hole stroke play	$1.3 million
The Chevron Championship	1972	LPGA	72-hole stroke play	$1 million
The Women's Open (British Open)	1976	R&A	72-hole stroke play	$1.05 million
Women's The American Cup	1930 (unofficial), 1973 (LPGA)	LPGA	Match play	N/A (match play)

While all are considered majors, the U.S. Women's Open stands out for its longevity, rigorous qualifying, and USGA oversight. Its evolution from a $10,000 event to a $10 million spectacle underscores its significance in advancing gender equity in sports.

Why It Matters

The U.S. Women's Open has had a transformative impact on women's sports, setting benchmarks for professionalism, media coverage, and athlete compensation. It serves as both a historical archive and a driver of future progress.

The 1946 Open legitimized women's professional golf, proving that female athletes could draw audiences and sponsor interest.
Its continuity—held annually except for 1949 and 2020 (due to war and pandemic)—demonstrates resilience and institutional support.
Champions like Babe Zaharias, Mickey Wright, and Annika Sörenstam used the Open to build legendary careers and inspire future generations.
Television coverage, now exceeding 20 hours annually on NBC and ESPN, has expanded the tournament's reach and commercial viability.
The Open's inclusion of amateurs ensures a pipeline for young talent, with 15–20 amateurs typically qualifying each year.
Records set at the Open—like Inbee Park's 2013 record 13-under 271—become milestones in golf history.

From its modest beginnings in Spokane to its current status as a cornerstone of the LPGA season, the U.S. Women's Open remains a symbol of excellence and perseverance in women's athletics.