What Is 1964 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1964 U.S. Women's Open was the 19th edition of the prestigious championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at Seven Oaks Golf Club in Rochester, New York, it brought together top female golfers from across the country to compete for one of the most coveted titles in women’s golf.

Defending champion Mickey Wright claimed her fourth U.S. Women's Open title, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s greatest players. Her victory margin of three strokes over Ruth Jessen highlighted her consistency and composure under pressure on a challenging course layout.

• June 25–27, 1964 were the official dates of the tournament, making it one of the longest-running major championships in women’s golf at the time.
• Mickey Wright finished with a total score of 293 (+9), the highest winning score in a U.S. Women's Open since World War II, due to difficult course conditions.
• Seven Oaks Golf Club, a par-72 course, presented tough challenges with narrow fairways and thick rough, contributing to high scoring across the field.
• This win marked Wright’s 13th career major title, further distancing her from contemporaries like Babe Zaharias and Louise Suggs.
• The tournament purse was $21,300, with Wright earning $2,500 as champion—the largest prize in women’s golf at the time.

Championship Format and Rules

The U.S. Women's Open followed a strict 72-hole stroke play format, with no cut after 36 holes, ensuring all entrants completed all four rounds. The USGA enforced rigorous standards for course setup, including firm greens and high rough, to test every aspect of a player’s game.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: Competitors played four full rounds over three days, with the lowest cumulative score determining the winner. This format tested endurance and consistency.
• Par-72 Course: Seven Oaks played to a full 6,900 yards, making it one of the longest courses used in the tournament’s history up to that point.
• Weather Conditions: Persistent rain during the first two rounds softened the course but led to delays, affecting player rhythm and scoring conditions.
• Field Size: A total of 103 players started the tournament, including amateurs and professionals from 12 different countries.
• Amateur Participation: Six amateurs made the field, though none finished in the top 20, underscoring the dominance of professional players.
• USGA Oversight: The USGA managed all aspects of play, including rulings, scoring, and enforcement of equipment and conduct standards.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1964 U.S. Women's Open can be compared to other major championships of the era in terms of scoring, format, and historical significance.

The table shows that scoring in 1964 was relatively high compared to previous years, reflecting the difficulty of Seven Oaks. Mickey Wright’s ability to win under such conditions demonstrated her superior course management and mental toughness. Her three-stroke margin was significant given the tight competition in prior years, where wins often came down to a single stroke.

Why It Matters

The 1964 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event in women’s sports history, not only for Wright’s achievement but also for its role in elevating the visibility of professional women golfers. At a time when media coverage and prize money were limited, victories like this helped build momentum for the LPGA and future generations of players.

• Mickey Wright became the first woman to win four U.S. Women's Open titles, a record that stood until 2018 when it was matched by others.
• The tournament highlighted the growing professionalism of women’s golf, with improved organization and media attention compared to earlier decades.
• Seven Oaks’ selection demonstrated the USGA’s commitment to using challenging, championship-caliber courses for women’s events.
• Wright’s back-to-back wins in 1963 and 1964 showcased unprecedented dominance in a major championship.
• The event helped inspire future stars like Nancy Lopez and Annika Sörenstam, who cited Wright as a role model.
• It contributed to the legitimization of women’s golf as a serious athletic pursuit, influencing sponsorship and broadcast deals in later years.

Ultimately, the 1964 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the broader struggle for recognition and equity in women’s sports. Mickey Wright’s performance remains a benchmark for excellence and perseverance.