What Is 1967 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1967 United States Women's Open was a pivotal event in women's professional golf, marking both a personal milestone for Kathy Whitworth and a turning point in the sport's financial recognition. Held from July 13 to 16 at the Atlanta Country Club in Marietta, Georgia, it was the 22nd edition of the tournament and one of the four major championships in women's golf.

This year's competition featured 90 players competing over 72 holes of stroke play, with the course set at 6,275 yards and a par of 72. Despite challenging conditions, the tournament highlighted the growing competitiveness and professionalism of women's golf during the late 1960s.

• July 13–16, 1967: The tournament spanned four days, with Kathy Whitworth leading after the second round and holding on through tight competition to win by one stroke.
• Atlanta Country Club: Located in Marietta, Georgia, the course presented firm fairways and fast greens, testing even the most experienced players with its tree-lined layout.
• Kathy Whitworth: At age 27, she claimed her first U.S. Women's Open title, securing her 37th LPGA Tour win and becoming the first woman to surpass $100,000 in career earnings.
• Winning score: Whitworth finished with a total of 295 (+7), a testament to the difficult playing conditions and the high level of competition.
• Prize money: The winner's share of $4,000 was the largest first prize in women's golf history at the time, reflecting gradual improvements in financial support for female athletes.

Competition Format and Structure

The 1967 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard format for major golf championships, featuring 72 holes of stroke play with a cut after 36 holes. This structure ensured that only the top-performing golfers advanced to the final rounds, maintaining competitive intensity.

• 72-hole stroke play: Competitors played four full rounds, with the lowest total score determining the champion, emphasizing consistency and endurance over multiple days.
• 36-hole cut: After two rounds, the field was reduced to the low 60 scorers and ties, ensuring only the most competitive players continued to the weekend.
• Field size: Ninety players started the tournament, including past champions, qualifiers, and top performers from the LPGA Tour, reflecting the event's prestige.
• Course setup: The Atlanta Country Club course was set at 6,275 yards with a par of 72, presenting a significant challenge with narrow fairways and well-protected greens.
• Weather impact: Hot and humid Georgia summer conditions affected player stamina and ball roll, contributing to higher-than-average scores across the field.
• Amateur participation: A total of 12 amateurs competed, though none finished in the top 10, underscoring the growing dominance of professional players in the event.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1967 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood when compared to other editions of the tournament and the broader landscape of women's golf at the time.

This table illustrates the gradual increase in prize money and competitive scoring trends. While winning scores fluctuated due to course conditions, the 1967 prize of $4,000 marked a significant jump, reflecting the LPGA's efforts to grow the sport's financial viability. The Atlanta Country Club setup proved more difficult than previous years, resulting in higher scores despite consistent performance from the leaders.

Why It Matters

The 1967 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a milestone in the professionalization of women's sports. Kathy Whitworth's achievement in surpassing $100,000 in career earnings symbolized growing opportunities for female athletes, even in an era of significant gender disparity in sports funding.

• Historic earnings: Whitworth became the first woman in golf to reach $100,000 in career prize money, a benchmark that inspired future generations of players.
• Media attention: Her victory garnered national coverage, helping to raise the profile of women's golf during a time of limited broadcast exposure.
• Role model status: As a consistent winner, Whitworth's success encouraged more young women to pursue professional golf careers.
• Prize growth trend: The increase to $4,000 for first place signaled a slow but meaningful rise in investment in women's tournaments.
• Competitive depth: The one-stroke margin of victory demonstrated the narrowing skill gap among top players, making the sport more exciting.
• Legacy of the event: The 1967 Open is remembered as a turning point in the LPGA's history, setting the stage for future growth and equality efforts.

Today, the 1967 U.S. Women's Open stands as a landmark moment in sports history, illustrating both the challenges and triumphs of early professional women golfers. Its impact continues to resonate in the modern game, where prize funds now exceed millions and global audiences follow the sport closely.