What Is 1959 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1959 U.S. Women's Open was the 14th edition of the championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). It marked a historic moment as Betsy Rawls secured her fourth title, matching Babe Zaharias for the most wins in the tournament’s history at the time.

Held at Churchill Valley Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the event drew top female golfers competing over 72 holes of stroke play. Rawls demonstrated remarkable consistency, overcoming challenging course conditions and a strong field to claim victory by a single stroke.

• Betsy Rawls won her fourth U.S. Women's Open, matching Babe Zaharias for the most titles at the time, a record that stood for decades.
• The tournament was played from June 25 to 28, 1959, during a period of growing recognition for women’s professional golf.
• Churchill Valley Country Club, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosted the event for the first and only time in its history.
• Rawls finished with a total score of 293 (+13), one stroke ahead of runner-up Ruth Jessen, who carded 294.
• The winner’s prize of $1,600 was the largest first-place purse in women’s golf history up to that point, reflecting the sport’s gradual growth.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates as a 72-hole stroke play championship, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. The 1959 edition followed this format, testing players’ endurance and precision under USGA’s strict course setup.

• Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest total score winning. Players competed over four days, one round per day.
• Cut Rule: After 36 holes, the field was reduced to the low 40 scorers and ties. This ensured only top performers advanced to the weekend rounds.
• Course Conditions: Churchill Valley was set up to challenge accuracy, with par 72 and total yardage exceeding 6,000 yards, typical for women’s majors of the era.
• Weather Impact: Rain delays and soft greens affected scoring, contributing to higher overall scores, with the winning total at +13, well above par.
• Player Field: The event included 60 professionals and amateurs, including past champions and rising stars like Mickey Wright, who finished tied for fifth.
• Scoring: Rawls shot rounds of 74-72-73-74, showcasing steady play, while Jessen’s final-round 71 nearly overturned the deficit.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1959 U.S. Women's Open compared to other years in terms of competitiveness, prize structure, and historical significance:

The 1959 event stood out due to the increased prize money and Rawls’ record-tying achievement. While winning scores remained high by modern standards, the consistency in scoring around +13 to +17 reflected the difficulty of USGA setups during this era. The rise in purse size signaled growing investment in women’s golf.

Why It Matters

The 1959 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in the evolution of women’s professional golf, both competitively and culturally. It highlighted the dominance of legends like Rawls and set the stage for future growth in visibility and financial support.

• Betsy Rawls became a symbol of perseverance, winning her first title in 1951 and proving longevity by claiming her fourth nearly a decade later.
• The event helped legitimize women’s golf as a serious sport, drawing media coverage and public interest in regional and national outlets.
• Rawls’ victory at age 31 demonstrated that experience and course management could overcome younger, more aggressive competitors.
• The increased prize of $1,600 set a precedent, encouraging sponsors to invest more in women’s tournaments in subsequent years.
• Churchill Valley’s hosting marked a shift toward more diverse geographic locations for the Open, expanding its national footprint.
• The close margin of victory—one stroke—emphasized the rising competitiveness of the field, foreshadowing future rivalries in the 1960s.

Ultimately, the 1959 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event for its blend of historical achievement, competitive drama, and symbolic progress in women’s sports.