What Is 1973 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1973 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal event in women's professional golf, marking the 28th edition of the championship and one of the most competitive in the decade. Held at the Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, the tournament attracted top players from around the world vying for one of golf's most prestigious titles.

Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the event showcased high-level play under difficult conditions, including heat and firm greens. Susie Berning emerged victorious, cementing her legacy with her fourth major title and becoming one of the few women to win multiple U.S. Women's Opens.

• July 12–15, 1973: The tournament spanned four days at the Champions Golf Club, a private course designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee.
• Susie Berning: At age 31, Berning claimed her fourth major title, having previously won the U.S. Women's Open in 1960, 1962, and 1968.
• Winning score: Berning finished with a total of 303 (+11), two strokes ahead of Kathy Whitworth, who shot 305.
• Cypress Creek Course: The course measured approximately 6,200 yards and featured narrow fairways, thick rough, and small, undulating greens.
• Prize fund: The total purse was $30,000, with $7,500 awarded to the champion—modest by modern standards but significant at the time.

Champions & Performance

The 1973 U.S. Women's Open featured standout performances from several LPGA legends, with the leaderboard reflecting the depth of talent in women's golf during the early 1970s. Berning's victory was notable not only for her consistency but also for her ability to handle pressure on a demanding course.

• Susie Berning: Her final round of 74 secured the win, demonstrating composure despite gusty winds and firm putting surfaces.
• Kathy Whitworth: A dominant LPGA figure, Whitworth finished second with a 305, missing a crucial putt on the 17th hole in the final round.
• Judy Rankin: Finished third at 306, continuing her streak of top-10 finishes in major championships.
• Marilyn Smith: Placed fourth with a 307, showing strong form but unable to close the gap on the final day.
• Carol Mann: The 1968 U.S. Women's Open champion, Mann tied for fifth at 308, struggling with bunker play on Saturday.
• Pat Meyers: The amateur entrant with the lowest score was Meyers, who finished at 312, earning low-amateur honors.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1973 U.S. Women's Open to later editions highlights changes in scoring, course setup, and prize structure over time.

The table illustrates a clear trend: over 50 years, winning scores have improved significantly due to advances in equipment, training, and course conditioning. Prize money has increased more than 240-fold since 1973, reflecting the growth of women's golf. The 1973 event was played on a shorter course with older technology, making Berning's achievement even more impressive given the constraints of the era.

Why It Matters

The 1973 U.S. Women's Open holds historical significance for the evolution of women's professional golf and the recognition of female athletes in a male-dominated sport. It occurred during a transformative period when the LPGA was gaining visibility and advocating for equal opportunities.

• Legacy of Susie Berning: Her fourth major title solidified her status as one of the greats, joining an elite group of multi-major winners.
• Course difficulty: The Cypress Creek layout tested precision, highlighting the importance of course management over raw power.
• Media coverage: The event received limited national broadcast, but print coverage in outlets like Sports Illustrated helped raise visibility.
• Gender equity: In 1973, the U.S. Women's Open prize fund was less than 10% of the men's U.S. Open, underscoring disparities in sports funding.
• Amateur participation: Several top amateurs competed, showing the strength of collegiate golf programs feeding into the pro ranks.
• Historical context: The same year, Billie Jean King won the 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis match, amplifying conversations about women in sports.

The 1973 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event, not only for its competitive drama but also for its role in the broader narrative of women's athletics. As the LPGA continues to grow, tournaments like this one serve as reminders of the progress made—and the work still needed.