What Is 1974 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1974 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the 29th edition of the championship. Held from July 11 to 14 at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts, the event drew top professionals competing on a challenging 6,398-yard course rated 73.2.

Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the tournament followed a 72-hole stroke play format. With a prize purse of $100,000—the largest in women’s golf at the time—it underscored the growing professionalism and visibility of female athletes in sports.

• Kathy Whitworth claimed victory with a total score of 295 (+7), winning her first and only U.S. Women's Open title after years of near-misses.
• Sally Little finished in second place at 299 (+11), four strokes behind Whitworth, marking her best finish in a major championship.
• The course setup featured narrow fairways and thick rough, leading to an average scoring average of 74.8 for the field over four rounds.
• Whitworth earned $20,000 for her win, a record payout at the time and 20% of the total prize fund.
• This victory made Whitworth the first woman in golf history to surpass $100,000 in career LPGA earnings, a milestone celebrated during the awards ceremony.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a rigorous format designed to test precision, endurance, and mental toughness under pressure. Qualifying rounds precede the main event, with 156 players competing for the title through four 18-hole rounds.

• Format: The tournament uses 72 holes of stroke play; if there is a tie after regulation, a playoff determines the winner.
• Qualifying: Over 1,200 players enter local and sectional qualifiers, with only about 100 earning spots in the final field.
• Course Setup: In 1974, Salem Country Club played to 6,398 yards with a par of 71, emphasizing accuracy over distance.
• Scoring Conditions: Persistent rain and wind during the second round led to only 12 sub-75 scores recorded that day.
• Amateur Participation: Twelve amateurs competed, but only two made the 36-hole cut at 154 (+14).
• Historical Context: The 1974 Open was the last to be played without television coverage, highlighting its transition into mainstream media.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1974 U.S. Women's Open to modern editions reveals significant evolution in prize money, scoring, and player depth.

The data shows a dramatic increase in scoring efficiency and financial rewards. While the 1974 field averaged +7 over par for the tournament, modern players consistently finish under par, reflecting advancements in training, equipment, and course management. The globalization of the sport is also evident, with fewer Americans dominating the field today compared to 1974.

Why It Matters

The 1974 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it symbolized progress in women’s sports during a transformative decade. Kathy Whitworth’s victory underscored the professionalism emerging in women’s athletics, even before widespread media coverage or corporate sponsorships.

• Whitworth’s career earnings milestone highlighted the slow but steady growth of financial viability for female golfers.
• The tournament helped legitimize the LPGA as a serious professional sports league during a time of gender inequality in athletics.
• It inspired future generations, including legends like Nancy Lopez and Patty Sheehan, who cited Whitworth as a role model.
• The USGA’s commitment to hosting the event at a classic course like Salem reinforced its dedication to tradition and fairness.
• Media coverage, though limited, began to expand, with wire services and regional newspapers highlighting the event nationally.
• Historically, the 1974 Open is remembered as the last before the rise of stars like Nancy Lopez and the broader television era of the late 1970s.

Today, the 1974 U.S. Women's Open stands as a bridge between amateur-era golf and the modern professional game. Its legacy lives on in the expanded prize pools, global participation, and recognition that women’s golf now commands.