What Is 2013 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2013 United States Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 68th edition of the prestigious championship. Hosted at the challenging Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, New York, the tournament attracted a global field of 156 players competing over four grueling days from July 8 to 14.

As one of the five major championships on the LPGA Tour, the U.S. Women's Open is known for its strict course setup and high difficulty. In 2013, Sebonack, a relatively new course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak, presented thick rough, firm greens, and strategic bunkering, testing even the most seasoned players.

• Inbee Park claimed victory with a final score of 8-under-par 276, the lowest in relation to par in U.S. Women's Open history at the time, highlighting her dominance under pressure.
• The tournament marked the first time the U.S. Women's Open was held at Sebonack Golf Club, a course known for its links-style design and wind-exposed layout.
• Runner-up I.K. Kim finished just two strokes behind Park, shooting 278, demonstrating the tight competition despite tough course conditions.
• A record-breaking $4 million purse was on offer, with winner Inbee Park earning $720,000, the largest first-place prize in women's golf at the time.
• The event drew over 100,000 spectators across the week, reflecting growing public interest in women's golf and the rising profile of LPGA stars.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a strict format designed to identify the most consistent and mentally resilient player over 72 holes of stroke play. Qualification is open to amateurs and professionals, but only the top 75 players in the Women's World Golf Rankings are automatically exempt.

• Qualification: Over 1,200 players entered local and sectional qualifying events, with only 78 advancing through a rigorous multi-stage process to join exempt players.
• Course Setup: Sebonack played to 6,975 yards at a par of 70, with an average driving distance of just 248 yards due to thick rough and wind.
• Scoring Format: The tournament used standard 72-hole stroke play, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 and ties.
• Weather Conditions: Persistent rain delays affected the third round, forcing play to extend into Monday, a rare occurrence in modern LPGA scheduling.
• Player Field: The field included 20 major champions and nine of the top 10 players in the Rolex Rankings, making it one of the deepest in tournament history.
• Technology & Stats: ShotLink tracking revealed that Park led the field in greens in regulation (75%) and ranked third in putts per round.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of recent U.S. Women's Open champions highlights the significance of Park’s 2013 performance.

The data shows a clear evolution in scoring trends, with Park’s 8-under in 2013 standing out as unusually low for this traditionally difficult major. The increase in prize money from $560,000 to $720,000 reflects the LPGA’s growing investment in its marquee events. Park’s back-to-back wins also underscored her mental toughness and consistency on the biggest stages.

Why It Matters

The 2013 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment for women's golf, both competitively and culturally. It showcased the rising global talent in the sport and the increasing competitiveness of major championships.

• Historic Achievement: Inbee Park became the first woman since Pat Bradley in 1986 to win two consecutive U.S. Women's Opens, cementing her legacy.
• Global Representation: The top 10 finishers included players from South Korea, Sweden, Japan, and the U.S., highlighting the sport’s international depth.
• Media Coverage: NBC and ESPN provided over 15 hours of live coverage, a significant increase from previous years, boosting visibility.
• Impact on LPGA: Park’s dominance helped elevate the tour’s profile, contributing to a 12% rise in TV ratings for subsequent events.
• Youth Inspiration: The tournament inspired a new generation, with Junior Golf participation rising 8% in the U.S. the following year.
• Course Design Legacy: Sebonack’s success led to more modern courses being selected for future Opens, shifting away from traditional parkland layouts.

Ultimately, the 2013 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a statement about the growth, professionalism, and global appeal of women's golf. With record scores, prize money, and viewership, it set a new benchmark for excellence in the sport.