What Is 2006 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open was the 61st edition of the prestigious tournament, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at the historic Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, it marked the first time the women's championship returned to the course since 1895, when the first U.S. Open—men's or women's—was contested there.

This tournament was notable for its dramatic wire-to-wire performance and the culmination of Annika Sörenstam's dominant form. Played from July 6 to 9, the event featured 156 of the world's top female golfers competing across 72 holes of stroke play under challenging coastal conditions.

• Location: Newport Country Club, a classic Donald Ross-designed course in Newport, Rhode Island, hosted the event for the first time in women's Open history.
• Dates: The tournament spanned four days, from July 6–9, 2006, with all rounds completed without weather delays.
• Winner:Annika Sörenstam captured her third U.S. Women's Open title, previously winning in 1995 and 1996.
• Winning Score: Sörenstam finished at 278 (−6), the lowest 72-hole score relative to par in the tournament’s history at that time.
• Margin of Victory: She won by three strokes over Pat Hurst, becoming the first wire-to-wire champion since Sally Little in 1986.

Championship Highlights

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open delivered compelling storylines, from Sörenstam’s consistent dominance to the struggles of top contenders under pressure. The event also highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s professional golf and the USGA’s commitment to challenging course setups.

• Round 1 Leader: Sörenstam opened with a 66 (−4), taking a two-stroke lead and setting the tone for her wire-to-wire performance.
• Course Conditions: Newport’s narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens led to an average scoring average of 74.2 in the first round.
• Top Contenders: Defending champion Jeong Jang struggled, finishing tied for 27th, while Paula Creamer placed fifth at −2.
• Historic Achievement: Sörenstam became the first player since Betsy Rawls in 1953 to win the Open three times.
• Prize Money: The total purse was $2.5 million, with Sörenstam earning $525,000 for her victory.
• Amateur Performance:Brittany Lang, the U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, finished as the top amateur, tying for 10th at −1.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2006 U.S. Women's Open compares to recent editions in key metrics:

While the 2006 event featured a relatively low winning score, the course setup at Newport Country Club tested precision and mental toughness. Compared to the tighter margins in 2003 and 2005, Sörenstam’s three-stroke win underscored her dominance. The 2006 tournament also stood out for its historical significance and the return to a classic course, setting it apart from modern venues.

Why It Matters

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event in women’s golf history, symbolizing both individual excellence and the sport’s evolving prestige. Sörenstam’s victory solidified her legacy and inspired a generation of female athletes.

• Legacy of Sörenstam: Her third title placed her among the all-time greats, joining Betsy Rawls and Mickey Wright with three wins each.
• Historic Venue: Newport Country Club’s role emphasized the USGA’s tradition of rotating courses with rich histories.
• Media Attention: The event drew increased TV coverage, boosting visibility for the LPGA Tour.
• Competitive Benchmark: The low scoring highlighted advancements in player fitness, equipment, and course management.
• Inspiration for Amateurs: Brittany Lang’s strong finish encouraged young players to pursue elite amateur careers.
• Global Impact: Sörenstam, from Sweden, showcased the internationalization of women’s golf.

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open was more than a tournament—it was a celebration of history, skill, and perseverance. Its legacy endures in the records books and in the continued growth of women’s professional golf worldwide.