What Is 2002 US Women's Open

Overview

The 2002 U.S. Women's Open was the 57th edition of one of the most prestigious events in women's golf, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held from July 11 to 14, it marked a significant moment in women's professional golf history, showcasing elite competition on a challenging course.

Played at the Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas, the tournament featured a field of 156 golfers competing over 72 holes of stroke play. The course, known for its undulating greens and native grasses, tested even the most seasoned players, contributing to higher-than-average scores.

• Champion: Juli Inkster claimed her second U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a total score of 288 (+4), becoming the oldest winner at age 36 since 1981.
• Runner-up: Annika Sörenstam finished in second place at 290 (+6), continuing her streak of top performances in major championships.
• Course details: Prairie Dunes Country Club, a par-70 layout, played to a length of 6,477 yards during the tournament, presenting wind and terrain challenges.
• Historic context: This was the first time the U.S. Women's Open was held at Prairie Dunes, which had previously hosted the 1971 U.S. Open for men.
• Winning margin: Inkster won by two strokes, holding off a late charge from Sörenstam and maintaining composure under pressure on the final day.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play event, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 players and ties. The 2002 edition followed this standard format, with qualifying rounds determining the final field.

• Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest cumulative score determining the winner over four days of competition.
• Field size: A total of 156 players competed, including professionals and top amateurs who qualified through sectional or exemption criteria.
• Qualifying: Players earned entry via exemptions or by advancing through 36-hole sectional qualifying tournaments held across the U.S. and internationally.
• Prize money: The total purse was $1.85 million, with winner Juli Inkster receiving $320,000 for her victory.
• Course setup: The USGA designed the course to emphasize accuracy, with firm greens and high winds contributing to a scoring average of 74.5 in the final round.
• Amateur participation: A total of 15 amateurs competed, though none finished in the top 20, highlighting the depth of professional talent.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performances and statistics from the 2002 U.S. Women's Open and the previous two editions:

The 2002 event stood out for its higher scoring conditions compared to the previous years, largely due to the Prairie Dunes layout and persistent winds. While winners in 2000 and 2001 finished at 11-under par, the 2002 champion finished at 4-over, underscoring the course's difficulty. This contrast highlights how course setup and weather significantly impact scoring in U.S. Women's Open tournaments.

Why It Matters

The 2002 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the careers of several athletes and a showcase for the growing competitiveness of women's professional golf. Its outcome reinforced the importance of mental toughness and course management in major championships.

• Juli Inkster's legacy: Her victory solidified her status as one of the greats, marking her second U.S. Women's Open win and seventh major title overall.
• Annika Sörenstam's consistency: Finishing runner-up added to her reputation as the world's top-ranked female golfer at the time.
• Course recognition: Prairie Dunes gained acclaim as a championship venue, later hosting the 2011 U.S. Senior Open and 2023 U.S. Women's Open.
• Television exposure: The event was broadcast nationally, increasing visibility for women's golf during a pivotal growth period.
• Historic achievement: At age 36, Inkster became the oldest winner since 1981, proving age need not limit success in elite golf.
• Inspiration: The tournament inspired a new generation of golfers, particularly in the Midwest, by showcasing a major event in a less traditional golf market.

The 2002 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in women's golf history, remembered for its challenging conditions, dramatic finish, and lasting impact on the sport's landscape.