What Is 2000 US Women's Open

Overview

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open was the 55th edition of one of the most prestigious events in women's golf, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held from July 6 to 9, it took place at the Newport Course of Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington, marking the first time the tournament was hosted in the Pacific Northwest.

This championship was notable for its challenging course conditions and high-level competition among the world's top female golfers. Karrie Webb emerged victorious, cementing her status as a dominant force in women's golf during the early 2000s.

• Karrie Webb won the tournament with a total score of 277 (−3), becoming the first player since Pat Bradley in 1994–1995 to win back-to-back U.S. Women's Opens.
• The event was held at Sahalee Country Club, a course lengthened to 6,800 yards with a par of 72 to meet USGA standards for championship play.
• Se Ri Pak finished in second place at +1, four strokes behind Webb, continuing her strong performance in major championships.
• Only 31 of 156 players finished under par, highlighting the difficulty of the course setup and weather conditions.
• Webb’s victory marked her fourth major title and her third win of the 2000 LPGA season, showcasing her consistency and dominance.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is an annual 72-hole stroke play tournament conducted by the USGA, open to both amateur and professional female golfers worldwide. Qualification is based on exemptions or through sectional qualifying tournaments held across the United States and internationally.

• Format: The tournament follows a 72-hole stroke play format over four days. Players compete for the lowest total score, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 and ties.
• Eligibility: Any female golfer, amateur or professional, may enter provided she meets the handicap requirement of 2.4 or lower and submits an entry by the deadline.
• Qualifying: Over 1,400 players entered in 2000, with 156 competing at Sahalee after qualifying through sectional events or exemptions.
• Course Setup: The Newport Course was set up with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens, resulting in a scoring average of 73.2 for the tournament.
• Prize Money: The total purse was $1.6 million, with $240,000 awarded to winner Karrie Webb—the largest prize in women's golf at the time.
• Historical Context: This was the first U.S. Women's Open held in the Pacific Northwest, expanding the geographic reach of the tournament and drawing strong regional support.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2000 U.S. Women's Open with other major women's golf championships of that year:

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open offered the highest prize money and most challenging course conditions of the year’s majors. Karrie Webb’s victory under these pressures underscored her status as the top player in women’s golf at the time, outperforming rivals across multiple disciplines of the game.

Why It Matters

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's sports history, both for its competitive significance and its role in advancing the visibility of professional women's golf. The tournament showcased elite athleticism under pressure and helped elevate the profiles of international players.

• Karrie Webb became a global ambassador for women’s golf, inspiring a generation of Australian and international players.
• The event demonstrated the USGA’s ability to stage major championships in new regions, such as the Pacific Northwest.
• High television ratings and attendance signaled growing public interest in women’s professional sports during the early 2000s.
• Webb’s victory highlighted the importance of mental toughness and course management in major championships.
• The tournament’s challenging setup raised the bar for future course preparations in women’s golf.
• It contributed to the LPGA’s momentum, leading to increased sponsorship and media coverage in subsequent years.

Ultimately, the 2000 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in Karrie Webb’s career and a pivotal chapter in the evolution of women’s golf.