What Is 36th U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 36th U.S. Women's Open was held in 1981 at LaGrange Country Club in Illinois. Kathy Whitworth won her only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 293 (+5), two strokes ahead of runner-up Janet Alex.

Key Facts

The 36th U.S. Women's Open took place from July 16–19, 1981
Kathy Whitworth won with a score of 293 (+5), her first and only U.S. Women's Open title
Held at LaGrange Country Club in LaGrange, Illinois
Whitworth became the oldest champion at age 41, a record at the time
Runner-up Janet Alex finished two strokes behind at 295 (+7)

Overview

The 36th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1981, marked a historic moment in women's golf as Kathy Whitworth claimed her first and only title in the tournament. Played at the LaGrange Country Club in LaGrange, Illinois, the event spanned from July 16 to July 19, drawing top talent from across the LPGA Tour.

This victory was especially significant due to Whitworth's age and legacy—she entered the tournament as one of the most decorated players in LPGA history but had never won the U.S. Women's Open. Her triumph at age 41 made her the oldest champion in the tournament's history at the time, a record that stood for decades.

Championship venue: LaGrange Country Club, a private course established in 1899, hosted the event for the first time in 1981.
Winner's score: Kathy Whitworth finished with a total of 293 (+5) over four rounds, the highest winning score in the 1980s due to difficult course conditions.
Runner-up: Janet Alex, a lesser-known player, finished second at 295 (+7), two strokes behind Whitworth.
Historic achievement: At 41 years and 23 days, Whitworth became the oldest winner in the tournament’s history, a record not broken until 2014.
Prize money: The winner earned $30,000 from a total purse of $200,000, reflecting the growing but still limited financial rewards in women’s golf at the time.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and follows a strict format combining stroke play and qualifying procedures. Players compete over 72 holes, with the lowest total score winning, and ties are broken by playoff if necessary.

Qualifying rounds: 18-hole local qualifiers were held across the U.S., with 156 players advancing to the final field based on scores and exemptions.
Course setup: LaGrange CC was set up at 6,339 yards with a par of 71, featuring thick rough and fast greens to challenge even top professionals.
Weather impact: Rain delayed the third round, causing a backlog and compressing play into the final day, affecting player stamina and strategy.
Age factor: Whitworth’s victory at age 41 defied expectations, as most past champions were under 35, highlighting her endurance and experience.
Historical context: This was the 36th edition of the tournament, which began in 1946, making it one of the longest-running women’s golf championships.
Media coverage: The event received limited national TV coverage, with ABC broadcasting only the final round in a two-hour window.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1981 U.S. Women's Open with more recent editions highlights significant changes in scoring, course setup, and prize money.

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Winner's Age	Prize Money
1981	Kathy Whitworth	293 (+5)	41	$30,000
1990	Betsy King	284 (−8)	34	$65,000
2000	Juli Inkster	275 (−13)	39	$300,000
2010	Paula Creamer	281 (−7)	23	$800,000
2020	A Lim Kim	279 (−9)	25	$575,000

The table shows a trend toward lower winning scores and higher prize purses over time, reflecting advances in equipment, training, and course management. While Whitworth won with a score above par, modern champions often finish double digits under par. Prize money has increased more than 19-fold since 1981, illustrating the growth of women’s professional golf.

Why It Matters

The 36th U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event for its blend of historical significance, personal triumph, and evolving gender dynamics in sports. Whitworth’s victory underscored the value of experience and perseverance in a sport often dominated by younger athletes.

Legacy of Kathy Whitworth: She held the record for most LPGA wins (88) and finally captured the one major title that had eluded her.
Age barrier broken: Her win challenged assumptions about age limits in elite sports, inspiring older athletes to compete at the highest level.
Media visibility: Though coverage was limited, her story gained traction in newspapers, increasing public awareness of women’s golf.
USGA standards: The difficult course setup emphasized the USGA’s commitment to challenging play, a principle maintained in future tournaments.
Historical benchmark: The 1981 event is often cited in discussions about longevity and resilience in professional sports careers.
Influence on future champions: Players like Juli Inkster and Laura Davies have cited Whitworth’s 1981 win as motivation during their own careers.

Today, the 36th U.S. Women's Open is remembered not just for the outcome, but for what it symbolized—a triumph of persistence over adversity in one of golf’s most prestigious events.