What Is 2008 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2008 United States Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 63rd edition of the tournament and the first time it was hosted in Minnesota. Held at Interlachen Country Club in Edina from July 10 to 13, the event attracted a global field of 156 players competing for a $3.05 million purse, with $580,000 going to the winner.

Despite challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain that delayed play, the tournament delivered dramatic finishes and historic milestones. South Korean golfer Inbee Park emerged victorious, capturing her first major title and making history as the youngest U.S. Women's Open champion since 1964.

• Interlachen Country Club: This course, designed by Herbert Strong in 1920, was lengthened to 6,610 yards for the championship with a par of 72, presenting a stern test for competitors.
• Winner: Inbee Park shot rounds of 72-72-69-70 for a 4-round total of 283 (−1), edging out Helen Alfredsson by one stroke in a tense final round.
• Historic achievement: At 19 years and 11 months, Park became the youngest U.S. Women's Open champion since 15-year-old Catherine Lacoste in 1964, though Lacoste was an amateur.
• International field: The tournament featured players from 27 countries, with strong representation from South Korea, Japan, and Australia, highlighting the global nature of women’s golf.
• Attendance: Over 130,000 fans attended the event, setting a record for attendance at a U.S. Women's Open in the state of Minnesota.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and follows a rigorous format designed to test precision, endurance, and mental toughness under pressure. The 2008 edition adhered to standard championship procedures, including 18 holes of stroke play over four days.

• Qualifying: Of the 156 players, 97 advanced through sectional qualifying held at 22 sites across the U.S. and internationally, ensuring broad access to the field.
• Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest total score after four rounds determining the champion; ties after 72 holes would lead to an 18-hole playoff.
• Course setup: Interlachen was set up with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens, averaging 75.0 for scoring average—the highest in U.S. Women's Open history since 1993.
• Weather impact: Persistent rain on Friday caused a two-hour delay and left the course saturated, leading to higher scores and increased difficulty on approach shots.
• Amateur participation: A total of 16 amateurs competed, with three making the cut, including future LPGA star Lexi Thompson, then just 13 years old and serving as a caddie.
• Prize distribution: The $3.05 million purse awarded 10% to the winner, with the top 60 finishers and ties receiving prize money based on their final standings.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2008 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood by comparing key metrics with other recent editions of the tournament.

This comparison shows that the 2008 event was one of the more difficult in recent memory due to weather and course setup, with a winning score only one under par. Park’s youth contrasted with past champions like Sörenstam, emphasizing a generational shift in the sport.

Why It Matters

The 2008 U.S. Women's Open had lasting implications for the growth of women's golf, both in the United States and internationally. It highlighted the rising dominance of South Korean players and helped inspire a new generation of young athletes to pursue professional golf careers.

• Globalization of golf: Park’s victory underscored the increasing internationalization of women’s golf, with South Korean players winning four of the next seven U.S. Women's Opens after 2008.
• Youth movement: At 19, Park’s win signaled a shift toward younger champions, paving the way for stars like Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda in the following decade.
• Media exposure: The tournament received record television ratings for a women’s golf event, with ESPN and NBC broadcasting 18 hours of coverage across four days.
• Legacy in Minnesota: The success of the event led to Interlachen hosting future USGA events, including the 2024 U.S. Amateur.
• Impact on LPGA: Park’s win boosted her LPGA profile, and she went on to win seven major titles, becoming one of the most decorated players of her era.
• Equality in sports: The event contributed to ongoing conversations about pay equity and visibility for women athletes, with the U.S. Women's Open prize fund nearly doubling over the next decade.

The 2008 U.S. Women's Open remains a pivotal moment in golf history, combining athletic excellence, historical significance, and cultural impact in a single championship week.