What Is 34th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 34th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1979, was a landmark event in women's professional golf, showcasing rising star Nancy Lopez at the peak of her early career dominance. Hosted at the historic Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut, the tournament featured a competitive field and challenging course conditions that tested even the most seasoned players.

Ultimately, Lopez emerged victorious, capturing her first U.S. Women's Open title and completing a remarkable trifecta of major wins that year. The event not only highlighted Lopez’s consistency and mental toughness but also marked a turning point in public interest in women’s golf, drawing significant media attention and larger-than-usual crowds.

• Nancy Lopez won the tournament with a four-round total of 287 (+3), overcoming tough weather and firm greens to secure her first U.S. Women's Open title.
• The championship was held from June 28 to July 1, 1979, a rare four-day Independence Day weekend event that boosted spectator turnout.
• Brooklawn Country Club, a classic A.W. Tillinghast design, played to 6,299 yards at par-71, presenting a stern test despite its modest length by modern standards.
• The purse totaled $150,000, with winner’s share of $30,000, reflecting the growing financial stakes in women’s professional golf.
• Lopez’s victory made her the first player since 1953—when Louise Suggs achieved the feat—to win three LPGA major championships in a single calendar year.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is operated by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and follows a rigorous format designed to identify the most consistent and resilient player over 72 holes of stroke play. Unlike invitationals, it is open to any professional or amateur woman golfer who qualifies through sectional tournaments or meets exemption criteria.

• Qualification Process: Players must either earn an exemption based on prior performance or advance through 36-hole sectional qualifiers held across the U.S. and internationally.
• Field Size: The 1979 tournament featured 105 competitors, including top amateurs and international professionals vying for the title.
• Format: A 72-hole stroke play event with no cut after 36 holes, ensuring all entrants played all four rounds regardless of score.
• Course Setup: The USGA enforced tight fairways and firm, fast greens, with rough cut at 1.5 inches to challenge ball control and recovery skills.
• Scoring Rules: In the event of a tie, a playoff format was used; however, Lopez won outright, avoiding the need for extra holes.
• Amateur Eligibility: Any female amateur with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4 could enter qualifying, promoting inclusivity and broad participation.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1979 U.S. Women's Open to modern editions reveals significant evolution in scale, prize money, and global reach.

The data illustrates a dramatic increase in financial investment and competitive depth over four decades. While Lopez’s performance was celebrated nationally, today’s winners receive global media coverage and compete for life-changing prize sums, reflecting the sport’s commercial growth and increased visibility.

Why It Matters

The 34th U.S. Women's Open remains a pivotal moment in golf history, not just for Lopez’s personal achievement but for its broader influence on the sport’s development and gender equity in athletics. It helped elevate the profile of women’s golf during a critical period of growth and inspired future generations of players.

• Nancy Lopez’s win boosted television ratings and sponsor interest, contributing to the LPGA’s expanded tour schedule in the 1980s.
• The victory demonstrated that young, charismatic players could drive fan engagement and attract new audiences to women’s sports.
• Winning three majors in one year set a benchmark for excellence, influencing how legacy and greatness are measured in women’s golf.
• The tournament’s success encouraged the USGA to invest more in women’s championship infrastructure and media production.
• Brooklawn’s selection highlighted the importance of historic courses in preserving golf’s traditions while testing modern players.
• Increased prize money in subsequent years can be traced to the commercial momentum generated by stars like Lopez in the late 1970s.

Ultimately, the 1979 U.S. Women's Open was more than a single tournament—it was a catalyst for change, helping transform women’s golf from a niche pursuit into a globally recognized professional sport.