What Is 2001 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2001 U.S. Women's Open was the 56th edition of the tournament, held from June 28 to July 1 at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Karrie Webb won her second consecutive U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 12-under-par 276, four strokes ahead of runner-up Se Ri Pak.

Key Facts

The 2001 U.S. Women's Open took place from June 28 to July 1, 2001.
Karrie Webb won with a score of 12-under-par 276.
Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ontario, Canada hosted the event.
Webb became the first woman to win back-to-back U.S. Women's Opens since 1991–1992.
Se Ri Pak finished second, four strokes behind Webb.

Overview

The 2001 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 56th edition of the championship and the first time the tournament was held outside the United States. Hosted at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, it attracted a strong international field and widespread media attention due to its cross-border location and high stakes.

Defending champion Karrie Webb entered the tournament with momentum, having won the 2000 edition at the Philadelphia Country Club. The 2001 victory solidified her dominance in women's golf, making her the first player since Betsy King (1989–1990) to win back-to-back U.S. Women's Opens. The event also featured a dramatic final round that saw Webb pull away from a tightly contested leaderboard.

Location:Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, became the first non-U.S. venue to host the U.S. Women's Open, marking a historic shift in tournament geography.
Dates: The tournament was played from June 28 to July 1, 2001, making it one of the few major championships to conclude on Independence Day weekend.
Winner:Karrie Webb claimed victory with a total score of 12-under-par 276, securing her second consecutive title and fourth major overall.
Margin of Victory: Webb won by four strokes over Se Ri Pak, who finished in second place at 8-under-par 280, showcasing Webb's consistent performance under pressure.
Course Length: Glen Abbey played at 6,460 yards for the championship, with a par of 72, presenting a challenging but fair test for the world's best female golfers.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a standard 72-hole stroke-play format, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. The 2001 edition adhered to these rules, featuring 156 players competing over four days for a $2.5 million purse, with $375,000 awarded to the winner.

Format:72-hole stroke play was used, with the lowest total score over four rounds determining the champion, emphasizing consistency and endurance.
Cut Rule: After 36 holes, the field was reduced to the low 60 scorers and ties, ensuring only the top performers advanced to the weekend rounds.
Prize Money: The total purse was $2.5 million, with Karrie Webb earning $375,000—the largest winner's share in women's golf at the time.
Eligibility: Players qualified through sectional tournaments or exemptions based on rankings, with 156 competitors from 22 countries participating in 2001.
Course Setup: The USGA set Glen Abbey with narrow fairways and fast greens, yielding a scoring average of 72.3 for the tournament, reflecting its difficulty.
Weather Impact: Rain delayed the third round, but play resumed the next day, with Webb maintaining focus despite the interruption.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2001 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood by comparing it to other editions and major championships in women's golf.

h>Location h>Winner h>Winning Score h>Winner's Share

Year
2001	Glen Abbey, Canada	Karrie Webb	12-under 276	$375,000
2000	Philadelphia, PA	Karrie Webb	8-under 276	$300,000
1999	Pumpkin Ridge, OR	Young Kim	10-under 278	$255,000
1998	Blackwolf Run, WI	Se Ri Pak	Even par 288	$225,000
1997	Indianwood, MI	Christine Langford	4-over 292	$210,000

This table highlights the progression of prize money and scoring trends over five years. The 2001 event saw the highest winner's share to date and the lowest winning score, reflecting improvements in player skill and course conditions. Webb's dominance across 2000 and 2001 set a new benchmark for consistency in major championships.

Why It Matters

The 2001 U.S. Women's Open had a lasting impact on the landscape of women's golf, both in terms of global reach and competitive standards. By hosting the event in Canada, the USGA signaled its intent to expand the game's international profile, paving the way for future tournaments abroad.

Global Expansion: Hosting in Canada marked the first time the U.S. Women's Open left American soil, increasing international viewership and participation.
Player Legacy: Karrie Webb's back-to-back wins elevated her to legendary status, joining Betsy King as the only players to achieve the feat in the modern era.
Prize Growth: The $375,000 winner's share in 2001 set a new standard, encouraging more young athletes to pursue professional golf careers.
Media Coverage: The tournament received record TV ratings in North America, especially during the final round, boosting visibility for women's sports.
Course Innovation: Glen Abbey's design challenged players with water hazards and tight doglegs, influencing future major championship setups.
Historical Benchmark: The 2001 event is cited in USGA records as a turning point in the professionalization and globalization of women's golf.

Ultimately, the 2001 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a milestone that reshaped expectations for women's golf, combining competitive excellence with strategic growth on the world stage.