What Is 2005 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2005 U.S. Women's Open was won by birdie-machine birdie-kim at Cherry Hills Country Club; she finished at 4-under-par 276, defeating lorena ochoa by one stroke in a dramatic final round.

Key Facts

Birdie Kim won her first and only major title at the 2005 U.S. Women's Open
The tournament was held from July 7–10, 2005, at Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado
Kim shot a final-round 69 to finish at 4-under-par 276 for the tournament
She defeated Lorena Ochoa by a single stroke in a tense final-round duel
Kim famously holed a 40-foot bunker shot on the 72nd hole to seal her victory

Overview

The 2005 U.S. Women's Open was the 60th edition of the prestigious championship and one of the most dramatic in LPGA history. Held at Cherry Hills Country Club in Englewood, Colorado, the event showcased exceptional shot-making under pressure, culminating in a stunning finish.

South Korean golfer Birdie Kim, then 23 years old and seeking her first LPGA win, delivered a performance for the ages. Her victory was defined by clutch play, mental toughness, and one of the most memorable shots in major championship history.

Birdie Kim entered the final round four shots behind the leader but remained patient, knowing the course demanded precision and nerve; her composure under pressure set the stage for a comeback.
The tournament was held from July 7–10, 2005, marking the first time the U.S. Women's Open visited Cherry Hills Country Club, a storied course with major pedigree.
Kim finished the 72-hole event at 4-under-par 276, the lowest winning score relative to par in U.S. Women's Open history at the time, highlighting her ball-striking excellence.
She defeated Mexico's Lorena Ochoa by a single stroke, denying Ochoa her first major title despite a brilliant final-round 69 of her own.
Kim's victory was sealed by a 40-foot bunker shot on the 72nd hole that dropped for birdie, one of the most iconic moments in women's golf history.

Final Round Drama

The final day at Cherry Hills delivered high-stakes theater, with multiple contenders vying for the title as weather and course conditions intensified pressure.

Final-hole bunker shot: With the tournament on the line, Kim hit her approach into a greenside bunker on the par-4 18th; her explosive escape rolled 40 feet and dropped, electrifying the crowd.
Leaderboard volatility: Michelle Wie, then just 15 years old, briefly led the tournament but faded with a final-round 78, showing both promise and inexperience under major pressure.
Course setup: Cherry Hills played to 6,793 yards and a par of 71, with thick rough and fast greens that tested every aspect of the players’ games.
Weather impact: Rain delays and gusty Colorado winds disrupted schedules and mental focus, particularly on Saturday, when play was suspended for several hours.
Historic significance: Kim became the first South Korean since Se Ri Pak in 1998 to win the U.S. Women's Open, foreshadowing Korea’s future dominance in women’s golf.
Prize money: The winner’s share was $560,000 from a total purse of $2.8 million, reflecting the growing financial stature of women’s professional golf.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key performances and statistics from the 2005 U.S. Women's Open reveals how narrowly Kim edged out her rivals.

Player	Final Score	Final Round	Wins Before 2005	Major Titles
Birdie Kim	4-under 276	69	0	1
Lorena Ochoa	3-under 277	69	0	0
Michelle Wie	Even 280	78	0	0
Annika Sörenstam	1-over 281	71	70+	10
Kristy McPherson	2-over 282	70	0	0

The table underscores how tightly contested the event was, with just four strokes separating first and fifth place. Kim’s ability to capitalize on the final hole contrasted sharply with Wie’s struggles, highlighting the fine margins in major championships.

Why It Matters

The 2005 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark moment in golf history due to its emotional climax and symbolic significance for the global growth of women’s golf.

Globalization of golf: Kim’s win signaled the rising dominance of South Korean players on the LPGA Tour, paving the way for future stars like Inbee Park and Ko Jin-young.
Memorable final shot: The 40-foot bunker birdie is replayed in golf highlight reels and is considered one of the greatest clutch shots in women’s sports history.
Impact on Wie: Though she didn’t win, Michelle Wie’s performance at age 15 drew massive media attention, boosting visibility for women’s golf in the U.S.
Course legacy: Cherry Hills proved its suitability for women’s majors, joining an elite list of courses to host both men’s and women’s U.S. Opens.
Psychological resilience: Kim’s poise under pressure demonstrated the mental strength required to win majors, especially for first-time contenders.
Historical context: The win marked the last time a player won the U.S. Women's Open with a score under par until 2014, emphasizing the difficulty of the setup.

The 2005 championship remains a touchstone for fans and players alike—a reminder that in golf, even the most unexpected moments can define a career and inspire generations.