What Is 1961 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1961 U.S. Women's Open was won by Mickey Wright, who claimed her second U.S. Women's Open title at age 26, finishing with a score of 296 (+8) at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey. This victory marked her fourth major championship of the year and solidified her status as one of the dominant players in women's golf.

Key Facts

Mickey Wright won the 1961 U.S. Women's Open at age 26 with a score of 296 (+8)
The tournament was held at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey
Wright claimed her second U.S. Women's Open title, having previously won in 1958
She won by three strokes over runner-up Ruth Jessen
This was Wright’s fourth major title of the 1961 season

Overview

The 1961 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's professional golf, marking the continued rise of Mickey Wright as a dominant force in the sport. Held from June 29 to July 1 at Baltusrol Golf Club's Lower Course in Springfield, New Jersey, the tournament drew top players from around the world competing for one of golf’s most prestigious titles.

Wright’s victory was notable not only for her commanding performance but also for her consistency under pressure, especially during the final round. The event highlighted the growing competitiveness of women's golf and set the stage for future developments in the LPGA Tour.

Winner: Mickey Wright secured her second U.S. Women's Open title, having previously won in 1958, demonstrating her long-term dominance in the sport.
Winning score: Wright finished with a total of 296 (+8) over four rounds, a testament to the challenging conditions at Baltusrol.
Runner-up: Ruth Jessen finished in second place, three strokes behind Wright, with a score of 299 (+11).
Venue: The tournament was played at the historic Baltusrol Golf Club, a course known for its difficulty and championship pedigree.
Significance: This win marked Wright’s fourth major championship of the 1961 season, underscoring her exceptional year on the LPGA Tour.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted under the guidelines of the United States Golf Association (USGA), featuring a 72-hole stroke play format with a 36-hole cut. The 1961 edition followed this standard, with players competing across four days for the lowest aggregate score.

Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke play format, with the winner determined by the lowest total score after four rounds.
Cut rule: After 36 holes, the field was reduced to the low 60 scorers and ties, ensuring only top performers advanced.
Course setup: Baltusrol’s Lower Course measured approximately 6,059 yards and played to a par of 71, presenting a stern test for competitors.
Prize money: The winner received $1,750 from a total purse of $12,000, reflecting the financial landscape of women's golf at the time.
Player field: The field consisted of 56 professionals and amateurs, including top names like Wright, Jessen, and Louise Suggs.
Weather impact: Rain delays and soft course conditions affected scoring, contributing to higher-than-average final scores.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1961 U.S. Women's Open compares to other editions in terms of key metrics:

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Margin of Victory	Location
1961	Mickey Wright	296 (+8)	3 strokes	Baltusrol GC, NJ
1958	Mickey Wright	292 (+12)	1 stroke	Churchill Valley, PA
1960	Betsy Rawls	297 (+9)	1 stroke	Woodmont CC, MD
1962	Murle Breer	297 (+9)	2 strokes	Queens CC, NY
1959	Wright, Suggs (tie)	293 (+9)	Playoff	Churchill Valley, PA

This comparison shows that the 1961 U.S. Women's Open had one of the higher winning scores of the era, reflecting the difficulty of Baltusrol’s layout and weather conditions. Mickey Wright’s three-stroke margin was one of the more decisive wins of the late 1950s and early 1960s, highlighting her superior consistency and mental toughness.

Why It Matters

The 1961 U.S. Women's Open was more than just another tournament—it was a milestone in the professionalization of women's golf and a showcase for one of the sport’s all-time greats. Mickey Wright’s performance elevated the visibility of the LPGA and inspired future generations of female athletes.

Legacy of Mickey Wright: Her 1961 win contributed to her eventual record of 13 major championships, one of the highest totals in LPGA history.
Historical context: The victory occurred during a golden era of women’s golf, featuring stars like Suggs, Rawls, and Berg.
Media coverage: The tournament received increased press attention, helping to grow the national profile of women’s sports.
Course difficulty: Baltusrol’s challenge emphasized the importance of course management and mental resilience in championship golf.
Prize disparity: The modest purse highlighted ongoing gender pay gaps in professional sports during the early 1960s.
Amateur inclusion: The presence of top amateurs underscored the competitive depth of the field and the USGA’s commitment to inclusivity.

Today, the 1961 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not only for Wright’s triumph but also as a turning point in the evolution of women's golf, where skill, determination, and visibility began to reshape the sport’s future.