What Is 1959 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1959 U.S. Women's Open was the 14th edition of the championship and a pivotal moment in women's golf history. Held under the administration of the United States Golf Association (USGA), it showcased elite skill and fierce competition among the top female golfers of the era.

Played at Churchill Valley Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the tournament drew a strong field of professional and amateur players. Betsy Rawls emerged victorious, securing her fourth U.S. Women's Open title, a feat that tied the record previously set by Babe Zaharias.

• Betsy Rawls won the tournament with a total score of 301 (+13) over 72 holes, demonstrating remarkable consistency on a challenging course.
• The event took place from June 25 to June 27, 1959, making it one of the shortest major championships in terms of playing days.
• Churchill Valley Country Club hosted the Open for the first time, featuring narrow fairways and thick rough that tested even the most seasoned players.
• Rawls finished just one stroke ahead of runner-up Carol Sorenson, highlighting the tight competition throughout the final rounds.
• This victory marked Rawls’ fourth U.S. Women's Open win, placing her in elite company and solidifying her legacy in women’s golf.

Winner and Performance

Betsy Rawls delivered a masterclass in composure and precision, overcoming difficult course conditions and strong competition to claim the title. Her performance reflected both technical excellence and mental resilience under pressure.

• Round 1: 76 (+4) – Rawls started cautiously, navigating early-round challenges with minimal mistakes on a tough layout.
• Round 2: 74 (+2) – Improved ball-striking helped her climb the leaderboard heading into the final day.
• Round 3: 75 (+3) – Despite inconsistent putting, she maintained focus and avoided major errors.
• Round 4: 76 (+4) – A steady final round under pressure secured her one-stroke victory.
• Putting average: Rawls averaged 33 putts per round, slightly above average but offset by strong iron play.
• Driving accuracy: She ranked among the top five in fairways hit, with 78% accuracy off the tee.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top finishers in the 1959 U.S. Women's Open, highlighting scores, margins, and nationalities.

The leaderboard illustrates how tightly contested the event was, with only six strokes separating first and fifth place. Rawls’ consistency across all four rounds, combined with minimal errors, proved decisive in such a close field.

Why It Matters

The 1959 U.S. Women's Open holds lasting significance in the history of women’s professional golf, both for Rawls’ personal achievement and for the broader evolution of the sport. It underscored the growing competitiveness and professionalism of women's golf during the late 1950s.

• Historic fourth title: Rawls became the first woman to win four U.S. Women's Opens, a record later matched only by Mickey Wright.
• Legacy of pioneers: The tournament featured legends like Zaharias and Suggs, highlighting the golden era of women’s golf.
• Course difficulty: With a winning score of +13, it emphasized the USGA’s commitment to challenging setups.
• Media coverage: The event received increased national attention, helping grow the LPGA’s visibility.
• Amateur participation: Over 15% of the field were top-ranked amateurs, showcasing depth in women’s golf.
• Prize money: The winner earned $1,500, a modest sum reflecting the era’s limited financial support for women athletes.

This championship remains a landmark event, symbolizing both individual excellence and the gradual advancement of women’s sports in mid-20th century America.