What Is 2nd U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 2nd U.S. Women's Open, held in 1947, marked an early milestone in women's professional golf history. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), it solidified the tournament’s transition from a WPGA-run event to a nationally recognized championship.

This edition followed the inaugural 1946 tournament, which the USGA took over after the Women's Professional Golf Association (WPGA) struggled with organization and funding. The 1947 event showcased growing professionalism and competitive depth in women’s golf.

• Betty Jameson claimed victory with a total score of 295 (+7), becoming the second official champion of the U.S. Women's Open era under USGA governance.
• The tournament was hosted at the St. Louis Country Club in Missouri, a course known for its challenging layout and historical significance in American golf.
• Louise Suggs, a future Hall of Famer, finished second, six strokes behind Jameson, highlighting the rising talent in women’s golf during the postwar period.
• With a prize purse of $5,000, the 1947 event offered modest but meaningful financial incentives compared to other women’s sports at the time.
• This was the first U.S. Women’s Open to feature a full 72-hole format, establishing a standard that would persist for decades in major women’s golf championships.

Historical Context & Format

The 1947 U.S. Women's Open occurred during a pivotal moment in the development of women’s professional sports in America. As one of the few national tournaments for female golfers, it provided visibility and legitimacy to women athletes in a male-dominated era.

• USGA Takeover (1946): The United States Golf Association assumed control of the Women’s Open in 1946, replacing the struggling WPGA and ensuring long-term stability for the event.
• 72-Hole Stroke Play: The 1947 tournament was the first to use a full 72-hole stroke play format, increasing the test of endurance and consistency for competitors.
• Course Conditions: The St. Louis Country Club measured approximately 6,200 yards, with thick rough and fast greens that challenged even the most experienced players.
• Field Size: A total of 38 players competed, including pioneers like Babe Zaharias and Sally Sessions, reflecting the growing interest in professional women’s golf.
• Television & Media: While not televised, the event received coverage in major newspapers like The New York Times and Sports Illustrated, boosting public awareness.
• Prize Distribution: The winner received $1,000 of the $5,000 purse, a significant sum for female athletes at the time, though still far below men’s tournament payouts.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2nd U.S. Women's Open to modern editions reveals dramatic changes in scale, competition, and prize structure.

The continuity of the 72-hole format underscores the tournament’s enduring structure, while the exponential growth in purse size and media coverage illustrates the sport’s evolution. Modern players benefit from sponsorships, global broadcasting, and professional training, unlike the trailblazers of the 1940s who often self-funded their careers.

Why It Matters

The 2nd U.S. Women's Open was more than a golf tournament—it was a statement about the potential for women’s sports in America. Held just two years after WWII, it demonstrated that female athletes could draw audiences and inspire future generations.

• Legacy of Pioneers: Players like Betty Jameson paved the way for the LPGA, founded in 1950, by proving women’s golf could be competitive and marketable.
• USGA’s Role: The association’s stewardship ensured the tournament’s longevity, making it the oldest women’s national championship in U.S. golf.
• Gender Equity: Though disparities remained, the 1947 Open highlighted early efforts to provide women with structured, competitive opportunities.
• Historical Benchmark: The event is now seen as a foundational moment in the timeline of women’s sports history, often cited in academic studies.
• Influence on Future Events: The success of the 1947 tournament encouraged the USGA to expand women’s championships, including the U.S. Women’s Amateur.
• Cultural Impact: At a time when women were expected to return to domestic roles post-WWII, the Open offered a platform for independence and visibility.

Today, the U.S. Women’s Open stands as a premier event in women’s sports, with millions in prize money and global viewership. The 1947 edition, though modest by today’s standards, laid the groundwork for this legacy.