What Is 2019 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 2019 U.S. Women's Open was the 74th edition of the prestigious championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at the Country Club of Charleston in South Carolina, it marked the first time the venue hosted this major event, drawing a strong international field.

The tournament featured 156 players competing across four grueling rounds, with only the top 65 and ties advancing past the 36-hole cut. Known for its strict course setup, the USGA emphasized precision and endurance, resulting in challenging scoring conditions throughout the week.

• Jeongeun Lee6 captured her first major title, finishing at 4-under-par 280, one stroke ahead of Cho So-yul.
• The event ran from May 30 to June 2, 2019, aligning with the traditional late-spring scheduling of the U.S. Women's Open.
• Country Club of Charleston hosted the tournament for the first time, a private course redesigned in 2015 to meet championship standards.
• The total purse was $5.5 million, with Lee6 earning $810,000 as the winner—the largest first-place prize in the event’s history at the time.
• Defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn missed the cut, becoming the first reigning champion to fail to finish the tournament since 2010.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest total score determining the champion after four rounds. The field is reduced after 36 holes to ensure only the top performers continue into the weekend.

• Format: The tournament uses 72-hole stroke play, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 65 players and ties.
• Qualifying: Players gain entry through sectional qualifying tournaments or by meeting exemption criteria based on professional and amateur rankings.
• Course Setup: The USGA enforces firm and fast conditions, with narrow fairways and thick rough to test accuracy and mental toughness.
• Prize Money: The 2019 purse totaled $5.5 million, a record increase reflecting the LPGA Tour’s growing financial investment.
• Amateur Participation: A total of 15 amateurs competed, with only two making the cut—highlighting the difficulty of the course setup.
• International Field: Players from 32 countries participated, including 12 from South Korea, the most represented nation outside the U.S.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2019 U.S. Women's Open to previous editions reveals shifts in scoring, participation, and prize structure over time.

The 2019 event saw a record purse but a slightly higher winning score than 2017 and 2018, reflecting the difficulty of the Country Club of Charleston’s layout. Despite increased financial incentives, scoring remained tightly controlled due to course conditions, emphasizing the USGA’s focus on fairness and challenge.

Why It Matters

The 2019 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women’s golf, showcasing rising international talent and the increasing competitiveness of the LPGA Tour. It also highlighted the USGA’s commitment to growing the women’s game through expanded prize money and global outreach.

• Jeongeun Lee6's victory marked the third consecutive year a South Korean player won the title, reinforcing the nation’s dominance in women’s golf.
• The $5.5 million purse signaled a major investment in gender equity, narrowing the gap between men’s and women’s major championships.
• Television ratings increased by 12% over 2018, indicating growing public interest in women’s sports.
• The tournament provided a platform for 156 players from 32 countries, promoting global diversity in professional golf.
• Charleston’s debut as a host city expanded the geographic footprint of the U.S. Women's Open beyond traditional venues.
• Strong performances by amateurs, including Cheng Min-chi, signaled promising depth in the next generation of talent.

Ultimately, the 2019 U.S. Women's Open not only crowned a new champion but also advanced the visibility and professionalism of women’s golf on a global scale.