What Is 2003 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 2003 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 58th edition of the tournament and a breakthrough victory for American golfer Hilary Lunke. Held from July 10–13 at the Ghost Creek course of Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Oregon, the event drew a competitive field of 156 players from around the world.

The tournament concluded with a dramatic three-way playoff, a rare occurrence in U.S. Women's Open history. Lunke emerged victorious, securing her first and only major championship in one of the most memorable finishes of the early 2000s.

• Hilary Lunke entered the final round five shots behind the leader but shot a 2-under 69 to force a playoff, showcasing remarkable composure under pressure.
• The playoff included Annika Sörenstam, the world’s top-ranked player at the time, and Angela Park, a 19-year-old rookie, making it a generational showdown.
• The tournament was played on the Ghost Creek course, a 6,898-yard par-71 layout known for its thick rough and challenging greens.
• Lunke’s victory earned her a winner’s share of $560,000 from the $2.8 million total purse, the largest in the event’s history at the time.
• This win made Lunke the first U.S.-born player to win the Women’s Open since 1998, breaking a streak of international dominance in the tournament.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and follows a strict format designed to test the world’s best female golfers under the most demanding conditions.

• Format: The tournament is a 72-hole stroke play event with a cut after 36 holes. Only the top 60 players and ties advance to the weekend rounds.
• Eligibility: Players qualify through sectional tournaments or by meeting exemption criteria, such as top rankings or prior major wins.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens—Ghost Creek was no exception in 2003.
• Playoff Rules: In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff is used; if still tied, it shifts to sudden death—used here with three players.
• Scoring: The player with the lowest total score over four rounds wins; in 2003, the winning score was 283 (+3), reflecting the course difficulty.
• History: First held in 1946, the U.S. Women's Open is the oldest of the five women’s major golf championships and is considered the most prestigious in the U.S.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2003 U.S. Women's Open compares to other editions in key aspects:

The 2003 tournament stood out for its dramatic finish and the emergence of a relatively unknown player. While the scoring was consistent with typical U.S. Women's Open difficulty, the three-way playoff was a rare highlight, last seen in 1991. The increased purse reflected growing investment in women’s golf during the early 2000s.

Why It Matters

The 2003 U.S. Women's Open had lasting significance for the LPGA Tour and American golf, symbolizing both competitive depth and the unpredictability of major championships.

• Hilary Lunke’s victory was inspirational as she was a 25-year-old journeywoman with no prior LPGA wins, proving that perseverance could lead to success.
• The event highlighted the depth of talent in women’s golf, with a top-ranked veteran, a young rookie, and an underdog in the playoff.
• It boosted visibility for women’s golf in the U.S., drawing strong TV ratings and media coverage during a pivotal growth period.
• The win qualified Lunke for future majors and granted her LPGA Tour exemptions, though she never replicated the success.
• Annika Sörenstam’s runner-up finish underscored her consistency, as she remained a dominant force despite missing the win.
• The tournament also emphasized the USGA’s role in maintaining high standards of fairness and challenge in championship golf.

Ultimately, the 2003 U.S. Women's Open remains a celebrated chapter in golf history—not just for who won, but for how it unfolded, reminding fans that in sports, underdogs can rise when it matters most.