What Is 2004 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 U.S. Women's Open was the 59th edition of the tournament, held from July 8–11 at the Orchards Golf Club in Washington, Michigan. Australian golfer Meg Mallon won her second U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a score of 279 (−1), three strokes ahead of runner-up Annika Sörenstam.

Key Facts

The 2004 U.S. Women's Open took place from July 8–11, 2004.
It was the 59th edition of the tournament.
Meg Mallon won with a total score of 279 (−1), claiming her second title.
The venue was The Orchards Golf Club in Washington, Michigan.
Annika Sörenstam finished second, three strokes behind Mallon.

Overview

The 2004 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's professional golf, marking the 59th playing of the prestigious championship. Held at The Orchards Golf Club in Washington, Michigan, the event showcased elite skill under challenging course conditions and weather fluctuations.

Victory went to Australian-born American Meg Mallon, who claimed her second U.S. Women's Open title, having previously won in 1991. Her performance over four rounds demonstrated consistency and composure, especially during a tightly contested final day against top-ranked competitors.

July 8–11, 2004: The tournament spanned four days, beginning with two rounds of stroke play followed by a cut to the top 60 and ties after 36 holes.
Orchards Golf Club: A par-71 course stretching 6,475 yards, it presented players with thick rough and firm greens, contributing to high scores.
Meg Mallon: At age 40, she became one of the oldest winners, shooting a final-round 69 to secure victory with a 279 (−1) total.
Annika Sörenstam: The world's top-ranked player finished second at 282, missing a crucial putt on the 72nd hole that would have forced a playoff.
Prize money: Mallon earned $560,000 from a $1.4 million purse, the standard winner's share at the time for the U.S. Women's Open.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play championship with a cut after 36 holes, designed to test precision, endurance, and mental toughness under USGA rules.

72-Hole Format: Players complete four rounds of 18 holes each. The lowest cumulative score determines the champion, with ties broken by playoff if necessary.
36-Hole Cut: After two rounds, only the top 60 players and ties advance. In 2004, the cut line was set at 148 (+7), eliminating nearly half the field.
USGA Rules: The United States Golf Association enforces strict rules on course setup, including narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens to challenge even the best players.
Amateur Eligibility: Over 20 amateurs competed in 2004, including future stars like Morgan Pressel, who made the cut at just 15 years old.
Qualifying Process: Over 1,200 players entered sectional qualifying, with 156 ultimately competing at The Orchards based on performance and exemptions.
Weather Impact: Rain delayed the third round, forcing a Monday finish, which added pressure and altered preparation routines for top contenders.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top finishers in the 2004 U.S. Women's Open based on final scores, nationality, and career significance.

Player	Nationality	Final Score	Margin	Significance
Meg Mallon	American	279 (−1)	Winner	Second U.S. Women's Open title; first since 1991.
Annika Sörenstam	Swedish	282 (+2)	2nd (−3)	World No. 1 narrowly missed playoff; fifth runner-up in majors.
Wendy Doolan	Australian	283 (+3)	3rd (−4)	Best finish in a major; career highlight for Doolan.
Paula Creamer	American	285 (+5)	Tied 6th (−6)	Top amateur; signaled arrival of a future LPGA star.
Morgan Pressel	American	291 (+11)	Tied 37th (−10)	Youngest player to make the cut at the time, age 15.

The leaderboard reflected a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talent, with Mallon’s win underscoring experience and resilience. The close margins highlighted the tournament’s competitiveness, especially as Sörenstam and others pushed hard on the final day. Pressel’s participation also marked a generational shift in women’s golf.

Why It Matters

The 2004 U.S. Women's Open had lasting implications for the LPGA, the USGA, and the visibility of women’s golf, combining dramatic storytelling with high-level competition.

Historic win: At 40, Meg Mallon became one of the oldest champions, proving age need not limit elite performance in women’s golf.
Rivalry spotlight: The close battle between Mallon and Sörenstam drew significant media attention, boosting TV ratings and fan engagement.
Youth emergence: Morgan Pressel’s cut-making performance at 15 signaled a new generation, later leading to her 2007 Kraft Nabisco win.
Course difficulty: The Orchards’ design emphasized the USGA’s commitment to challenging setups, influencing future Open venue selections.
Global representation: With top players from Sweden, Australia, and the U.S., the event highlighted the sport’s international growth.
Legacy impact: Mallon’s victory remains a benchmark for perseverance, often cited in discussions of career longevity in women’s sports.

Ultimately, the 2004 U.S. Women's Open stands as a defining chapter in golf history, remembered for its drama, depth, and enduring influence on future tournaments.