What Is 2010 U.S. Women's Open

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 U.S. Women's Open was the 65th edition of the tournament, held July 8–11 at the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. Paula Creamer won her first and only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 3-over-par 287, four strokes ahead of runner-up Na Yeon Choi.

Key Facts

The 2010 U.S. Women's Open was the 65th edition of the tournament.
It took place from July 8 to July 11, 2010, at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.
Paula Creamer won her first major title with a 3-over-par 287 score.
She finished four strokes ahead of Na Yeon Choi, who placed second.
Oakmont became the first course to host both the men’s and women’s U.S. Open.

Overview

The 2010 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 65th edition of the tournament and the first time the U.S. Women's Open was held at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Hosted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the event took place from July 8 to July 11 and featured some of the world's top female golfers competing for the prestigious title and a $1 million purse.

Paula Creamer emerged as the champion, capturing her first and only U.S. Women's Open title. Her victory was especially notable given Oakmont's notoriously difficult course conditions, which included thick rough, fast greens, and narrow fairways. The tournament also set attendance records for a women’s golf event in Pennsylvania, drawing over 100,000 fans across the four days.

Championship dates: The tournament was held from July 8 to July 11, 2010, making it one of the few women’s majors scheduled in mid-summer.
Location: It took place at Oakmont Country Club, a historic course that had previously hosted multiple men’s U.S. Opens but never a women’s edition.
Winner:Paula Creamer claimed victory with a total score of 3-over-par 287, securing her only major championship to date.
Runner-up: South Korea’s Na Yeon Choi finished in second place at 7-over 291, four strokes behind Creamer.
Course difficulty: The average score for the field was 76.3, reflecting the extreme challenge posed by Oakmont’s layout and USGA setup.

Championship Structure & Format

The 2010 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard 72-hole stroke play format used in most major golf championships, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. The tournament attracted 156 players, including amateurs and professionals who qualified through sectional and exemption criteria set by the USGA.

Field size:156 players started the tournament, with only the top 60 and ties advancing after the 36-hole cut at 10-over-par.
Qualification: Players gained entry through exemptions or by advancing through sectional qualifying tournaments held in May 2010.
Prize money: The total purse was $3.5 million, with winner Paula Creamer earning $585,000 for her victory.
Course length: Oakmont played at 6,975 yards for the championship, making it one of the longest setups in women’s golf history.
Weather impact: Heavy rain on the second day caused delays, with several players completing their second rounds on Saturday morning.
Historic achievement: At age 23, Creamer became the youngest U.S. Women’s Open champion since Birdie Kim in 2005.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2010 U.S. Women's Open with other recent editions in terms of scoring, course difficulty, and key outcomes:

Year	Location	Winner	Winning Score	Margin of Victory
2010	Oakmont CC, PA	Paula Creamer	+3 (287)	4 strokes
2009	Brookline, MA	Naomi Osaka	−3 (281)	1 stroke
2008	Interlachen, MN	Annika Sörenstam	−11 (273)	4 strokes
2007	Pebble Beach, CA	Christina Kim	−4 (280)	2 strokes
2006	Old Course, St Andrews	Kristianstads DGC	−6 (282)	3 strokes

The 2010 edition stood out due to the high scoring and challenging conditions at Oakmont. Unlike lower-scoring years such as 2008, the tough setup limited low rounds and emphasized precision over distance. This contrast highlights how course selection and USGA setup significantly influence scoring trends in the U.S. Women’s Open.

Why It Matters

The 2010 U.S. Women's Open had lasting significance in the world of women’s golf, both for its competitive drama and its role in advancing the sport’s visibility. Creamer’s emotional victory, combined with the historic venue, helped elevate the profile of women’s golf during a transitional period in the LPGA.

Legacy of Oakmont: The course became the first to host both the men’s and women’s U.S. Open, enhancing its legacy in American golf history.
Player breakthrough: For Paula Creamer, this win marked the pinnacle of her career and solidified her status as a top-tier player.
Increased exposure: The tournament received record television ratings for a women’s golf event on ESPN, boosting LPGA viewership.
Course setup precedent: The USGA’s decision to maintain firm, fast conditions influenced future women’s major setups.
International competition: The strong showing by players like Na Yeon Choi highlighted the global depth of the women’s game.
Attendance milestone: Over 100,000 fans attended, setting a benchmark for fan engagement in women’s golf events.

The 2010 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in the tournament’s history, remembered for its challenging conditions, dramatic finish, and cultural impact on the growth of women’s professional golf.