What Is 1955 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1955 U.S. Women's Open was won by Kathy Cornelius, who claimed her only U.S. Open title with a score of 301 (+13) at the Century Country Club in Purchase, New York, from July 14–17, 1955.

Key Facts

Kathy Cornelius won the 1955 U.S. Women's Open with a score of 301 (+13)
The tournament was held at Century Country Club in Purchase, New York
Dates of the event were July 14–17, 1955
Cornelius won by two strokes over amateur Barbara Romack
This was the 10th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, established in 1946

Overview

The 1955 U.S. Women's Open was the 10th edition of the tournament and marked a pivotal moment in women's golf history. Kathy Cornelius, a relatively unknown player at the time, emerged victorious at the Century Country Club in Purchase, New York, defeating a strong field that included top amateurs and professionals.

This win was the defining achievement of Cornelius’s career and one of the few major titles won by a player not already established on the LPGA Tour. The event unfolded under challenging conditions, with high scores reflecting the difficulty of the course and weather.

Kathy Cornelius shot a total of 301 (+13) over four rounds to win her only U.S. Women's Open title.
The tournament was hosted at Century Country Club, a par-72 course in Purchase, New York, known for its tree-lined fairways and tight greens.
Play took place from July 14 to July 17, 1955, during a period when women's professional golf was still developing its national profile.
Cornelius finished two strokes ahead of runner-up Barbara Romack, an amateur who narrowly missed becoming the first non-professional winner.
With prize money of $1,500, the winner's share was modest by modern standards but significant for the era.

Key Tournament Details

The 1955 U.S. Women's Open featured a competitive field of 60 players, including past champions and rising stars. The format followed the standard 72-hole stroke play used by the USGA, with the winner determined by the lowest cumulative score.

Format: The tournament followed a 72-hole stroke play format, with 18 holes played each day from Thursday to Sunday.
Course Length: Century Country Club measured approximately 6,200 yards, a challenging distance for the era given equipment limitations.
Weather Conditions: Players faced intermittent rain and high humidity, contributing to higher scores across the leaderboard.
Field Size: A total of 60 golfers qualified, including 12 professionals ranked in the top 20 of the LPGA money list.
Notable Absentee: Defending champion Betsy Rawls did not defend her title due to scheduling conflicts, opening the door for new contenders.
Amateur Performance: Barbara Romack, the runner-up, shot 303 (+15) and became the low amateur, earning widespread praise.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1955 U.S. Women's Open with other editions in the 1950s, highlighting key differences in winners, scores, and venues.

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Location	Winner's Share
1951	Betsy Rawls	302 (+14)	Washington, D.C.	$1,000
1952	Glenna Collett Vare (amateur)	306 (+18)	PA	$1,000
1953	Patricia Berg	295 (+7)	PA	$1,200
1954	Betsy Rawls	297 (+9)	MI	$1,350
1955	Kathy Cornelius	301 (+13)	Purchase, NY	$1,500

The table shows a steady increase in prize money throughout the early 1950s, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s golf. While winning scores fluctuated due to course difficulty, the 1955 event was notable for its tight competition and the breakthrough performance by Cornelius. Unlike previous years dominated by established stars like Rawls and Berg, 1955 saw a new champion emerge, signaling greater depth in the field.

Why It Matters

The 1955 U.S. Women's Open holds a special place in golf history as a turning point for competitive balance and recognition of emerging talent. Kathy Cornelius’s victory demonstrated that lesser-known players could triumph on the biggest stage, inspiring future generations of golfers.

Historic Breakthrough: Cornelius became the first first-time winner of the U.S. Women's Open since 1950, breaking a streak of repeat champions.
Impact on LPGA: Her win highlighted the growing depth of the LPGA Tour, which had only been founded in 1950.
Amateur Challenge: Barbara Romack’s runner-up finish energized discussions about amateur participation in professional majors.
Course Design Influence: The difficulty of Century Country Club influenced future USGA course selections for women’s events.
Media Coverage: The tournament received expanded coverage in Sports Illustrated and regional newspapers, boosting visibility.
Legacy: The 1955 Open is remembered as a pivotal moment in the professionalization of women’s golf in America.

Today, the 1955 U.S. Women's Open is recognized not just for who won, but for what it represented: a shift toward broader competition and greater public interest in women’s sports. As the LPGA continues to grow, this tournament remains a milestone in its evolution.