What Is 2007 United States Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 United States Women's Open was the 62nd edition of the tournament, held from June 28 to July 1 at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California. Cristie Kerr won her first and only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 4-under-par 280, four strokes ahead of runner-up Lorena Ochoa.

Key Facts

The 2007 U.S. Women's Open took place from June 28 to July 1 at the Olympic Club (Lake Course) in San Francisco.
Cristie Kerr won her first major championship with a score of 4-under-par 280.
Kerr finished four strokes ahead of second-place Lorena Ochoa.
The Olympic Club hosted the Women's Open for the first time in its history.
Total prize money was $2.5 million, with $450,000 awarded to the winner.

Overview

The 2007 United States Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 62nd edition of the tournament and the first time the Olympic Club in San Francisco hosted the championship. Played from June 28 to July 1, the event featured 156 of the world's top female golfers competing across 72 holes of stroke play on the challenging Lake Course.

Amid gusty winds and firm greens typical of the Olympic Club, Cristie Kerr emerged victorious, capturing her first and only U.S. Women's Open title. Her performance was notable for consistency and composure, as she avoided major mistakes and capitalized on key holes throughout the final rounds.

Winner Cristie Kerr finished with a total score of 4-under-par 280, the only player under par for the tournament, highlighting her dominance.
Lorena Ochoa finished second at even par, four strokes behind Kerr, despite being the top-ranked player in the world at the time.
The Olympic Club hosted its first Women's Open, adding to its legacy of major championships, including multiple U.S. Opens in men's golf.
Final-round 69 by Kerr sealed her victory, following rounds of 70, 71, and 70, demonstrating remarkable consistency under pressure.
Par was set at 71 for the Lake Course, with the course measuring 6,573 yards, presenting challenges due to narrow fairways and thick rough.

How It Was Played

The 2007 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard format of a 72-hole stroke play tournament with a cut after 36 holes. The field included professionals and top amateurs who qualified through sectional and international qualifying events.

Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format. After 36 holes, the field was cut to the top 60 players and ties, ensuring only the most consistent performers advanced.
Qualifying: Over 500 players competed in sectional qualifiers across the U.S. and internationally. A total of 72 players earned spots through qualifying tournaments.
Course Conditions: The Lake Course was set up with fast greens and thick rough, producing a scoring average of 73.2, reflecting its difficulty.
Weather Impact: Persistent coastal winds from the nearby Pacific Ocean reached speeds up to 25 mph, affecting ball control and shot selection.
Prize Purse: The total purse was $2.5 million, with $450,000 awarded to the winner—among the largest in women's golf at the time.
Amateur Participation: Nine amateurs made the cut, including future LPGA star Stacy Lewis, who finished as the low amateur at +6.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2007 U.S. Women's Open to other major championships reveals key differences in scoring, course setup, and competitive depth.

Event	Winner	Winning Score	Runner-Up	Margin of Victory
2007 U.S. Women's Open	Cristie Kerr	4-under 280	Lorena Ochoa	4 strokes
2007 Kraft Nabisco	Angela Stanford	4-under 284	Stacy Prammanasudh	1 stroke
2007 LPGA Championship	Christina Kim	8-under 280	Lorena Ochoa	1 stroke
2007 Women's British Open	Amy Yang	11-under 277	Suzann Pettersen	2 strokes
2006 U.S. Women's Open	Annika Sörenstam	3-over 287	Pat Hurst	1 stroke

The 2007 U.S. Women's Open stood out for its tight scoring and strong field performance. Unlike other majors that year, which saw lower scores due to softer conditions, the Olympic Club's setup emphasized precision over power, resulting in one of the most strategically demanding victories of the season.

Why It Matters

The 2007 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in Cristie Kerr's career and a significant milestone for women's golf in the United States. It showcased the depth of talent in the LPGA and reinforced the U.S. Open's reputation as the most difficult and prestigious major in women's golf.

First major win for Cristie Kerr solidified her status as a top-tier player, elevating her confidence and marketability.
Historic venue: The Olympic Club’s inclusion expanded the Women's Open’s geographic and cultural reach.
Media coverage increased significantly, with ESPN and NBC broadcasting over 12 hours of live coverage.
Role model impact: Kerr’s victory inspired young female golfers, particularly in underrepresented communities.
Competitive benchmark: The low scoring under tough conditions set a new standard for excellence.
Legacy for future hosts: The success encouraged the USGA to schedule more Women's Opens at iconic men's courses.

Ultimately, the 2007 U.S. Women's Open demonstrated that women's golf could thrive on the most demanding stages, blending athleticism, strategy, and resilience in a way that continues to influence the sport today.