What Is 15th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 15th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1960, was a pivotal event in the history of women's professional golf. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), this championship marked the 15th edition of the tournament since its inception in 1946. It continued the tradition of showcasing the world's top female golfers competing for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.

This year's tournament was hosted at the Worcester Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts, a course known for its challenging layout and historical significance in American golf. The event took place from July 7 to July 10, 1960, drawing a competitive field of professionals and amateurs. The weather and course conditions proved difficult, contributing to higher-than-average scores and emphasizing the skill required to win under pressure.

The 1960 U.S. Women's Open is particularly remembered for Betsy Rawls' historic victory, which solidified her legacy as one of the greatest female golfers of her era. By winning her fourth title, she equaled the record set by Mickey Wright, who would later surpass it. This milestone underscored the growing competitiveness and depth of talent in women's golf during the mid-20th century.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under a rigorous format designed to test the consistency and mental fortitude of its participants. As a 72-hole stroke play event, competitors play four rounds over four days, with the lowest total score winning. In the event of a tie after regulation, a playoff is held to determine the champion.

• Qualification: Players must either qualify through sectional events or gain entry via exemptions based on rankings or past performance. In 1960, the field included top professionals and selected amateurs.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize accuracy and strategy, often with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens. At Worcester, the par-72 layout played to approximately 6,200 yards.
• Scoring System: Each stroke is counted, and players are ranked by total score relative to par. In 1960, Betsy Rawls finished at 297 (+9), reflecting the difficulty of conditions.
• Playoff Format: If two or more players are tied after 72 holes, an 18-hole playoff is held the following day. No playoff was needed in 1960, as Rawls won by three strokes.
• USGA Oversight: The USGA manages all aspects of the tournament, including rules enforcement, course preparation, and player conduct, ensuring fairness and integrity.
• Prize Money: While modest by modern standards, the 1960 purse was $10,000, with Rawls earning $1,500 for her win—a significant sum at the time.

Key Details and Comparisons

The comparison above highlights the evolution of the U.S. Women's Open over nearly eight decades. While the 1960 event maintained the championship's core values of fairness and difficulty, modern iterations feature significantly larger purses, global participation, and advanced technology in course management. The 1946 inaugural event set the foundation, but by 1960, the tournament had gained institutional stability and media attention. In contrast, the 2023 edition reflects the professionalization and commercialization of women's golf, with scores improving due to better equipment and training. Despite these changes, the fundamental challenge of mastering a USGA-setup course remains constant.

Real-World Examples

The 1960 U.S. Women's Open featured several standout performances beyond Rawls' victory. Mickey Wright, who would go on to win four U.S. Women's Opens herself, finished second at 300 (+12), demonstrating the high level of competition. Other notable players included Louise Suggs and Betty Jameson, both legends of the game, who added depth to the leaderboard and contributed to the tournament's prestige.

1. 1953 U.S. Women's Open: Betsy Rawls won her first title at Country Club of Rochester, marking the beginning of her dominance.
2. 1957 U.S. Women's Open: Rawls claimed her third title at Winged Foot, becoming the first woman to win three times.
3. 1961 U.S. Women's Open: Held at Baltusrol, this event saw Mickey Wright win her second title, continuing the rivalry.
4. 1982 U.S. Women's Open: Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for the U.S. Open (men's), showing progress in gender equality.

Why It Matters

The 15th U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the development of women's sports in America. At a time when female athletes received limited recognition, events like this provided visibility and legitimacy to women's professional golf. The success of players like Betsy Rawls helped inspire future generations and laid the groundwork for the LPGA's growth.

• Legacy of Betsy Rawls: Her fourth win in 1960 cemented her as a pioneer, joining an elite group of champions.
• Gender Equality: The tournament challenged societal norms by showcasing women's athletic excellence on a national stage.
• USGA's Role: The association's commitment to hosting the event annually reinforced its importance in the golf calendar.
• Media Coverage: Increased press attention in the 1960s helped grow the sport's fan base and attract sponsors.
• Influence on LPGA: Success in majors like the U.S. Women's Open boosted player profiles and tournament prestige.

Today, the U.S. Women's Open remains one of the five major championships in women's golf, with a rich history that traces back to events like the 1960 edition. The perseverance and skill demonstrated by athletes of that era continue to inspire modern competitors, proving that excellence transcends generations.