What Is 1950 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1950 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the fifth official championship sanctioned by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at Orchid Country Club in Lake Worth, Florida, the event attracted top female golfers of the era, including legends like Betsy Rawls and Babe Didrikson Zaharias.

This tournament occurred during a formative period for women's professional golf, just one year after the founding of the LPGA in 1949. The competition highlighted both the growing legitimacy of women's sports and the high level of skill among female athletes.

• Betsy Rawls claimed victory with a score of 302 (+14) over four rounds, securing her first U.S. Women's Open title.
• The tournament was played from June 29 to July 2, 1950, during the summer heat of South Florida.
• Orchid Country Club, a 9-hole course at the time, hosted the event, with players completing multiple loops per round.
• Rawls earned $1,000 as the winner, a significant sum for women athletes in the early 1950s.
• Mildred 'Babe' Didrikson Zaharias, a dominant figure in women's sports, finished in second place, three strokes behind Rawls.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates as a 72-hole stroke play championship, with players competing over four rounds to achieve the lowest cumulative score. In 1950, the format followed standard USGA rules, though course setup and scoring conditions were more challenging than today.

• Format: The tournament used 72 holes of stroke play, with all players completing four rounds regardless of standing.
• Scoring: Rawls’ winning total was 302 (+14), reflecting the difficult course conditions and limited equipment technology.
• Course Setup: Orchid Country Club was a par-69 layout, requiring players to complete two loops per 18-hole round.
• Field Size: The event featured 45 competitors, a mix of professionals and top amateurs invited by the USGA.
• Prize Money: The total purse was $5,500, with $1,000 awarded to the champion—less than 20% of the men’s Open purse at the time.
• Historical Context: This was the first U.S. Women's Open held after the LPGA’s founding in 1949, cementing its status as a premier event.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1950 U.S. Women's Open to modern editions reveals significant changes in format, prize money, and player conditions.

The evolution of the U.S. Women's Open reflects broader advancements in women's sports, including increased media coverage, professional support, and equitable prize structures. While the 1950 event laid the foundation, modern tournaments showcase higher scoring efficiency and global participation.

Why It Matters

The 1950 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it symbolized the rise of women's professional sports in postwar America. Its outcome and organization helped legitimize the LPGA and inspired future generations of female athletes.

• Betsy Rawls’ victory marked the beginning of her Hall of Fame career, which included four U.S. Women's Open titles.
• The event demonstrated that women’s golf could draw public interest and sustain competitive depth.
• Finishing just behind Rawls, Babe Didrikson Zaharias continued to elevate the sport’s visibility through her celebrity status.
• The tournament highlighted gender disparities in sports funding, with the women’s purse being a fraction of the men’s.
• It served as a platform for the LPGA’s early growth, helping secure sponsorships and media attention.
• The 1950 Open is now recognized as a foundational moment in USGA women’s championship history.

Today, the U.S. Women's Open stands as one of the most prestigious events in golf, with roots firmly planted in the 1950 competition. Its legacy endures through expanded opportunities for women athletes worldwide.