What Is 1982 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1982 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, held from July 15 to 18 at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California. Janet Alex, a relatively unknown player at the time, captured her first and only LPGA Tour victory with a commanding performance.

This tournament remains notable not only for Alex’s surprising dominance but also for being her sole professional win, making it one of the most unique victories in U.S. Women's Open history. The event drew top competitors and showcased challenging course conditions that tested even the most seasoned players.

• Janet Alex finished at 11-under-par 277, the lowest score relative to par in the tournament’s history up to that point.
• The event was hosted at Del Paso Country Club, a course redesigned to meet U.S. Open standards, stretching 6,207 yards.
• Alex led the tournament from start to finish, becoming one of the few wire-to-wire champions in Women's Open history.
• She earned a winner’s share of $27,500 from a total purse of $175,000, the largest in women’s golf at the time.
• Runner-up Pat Meyers finished at 5-under-par, six strokes behind Alex, highlighting the winner’s exceptional consistency.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest total score winning. Players compete over four days, with a 36-hole cut after the second round to narrow the field.

• Format: The tournament uses 72 holes of stroke play; if there is a tie after regulation, a playoff determines the winner.
• Eligibility: Open to all female professionals and amateurs with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4.
• Course Setup: In 1982, Del Paso measured 6,207 yards with a par of 72, featuring narrow fairways and thick rough.
• Scoring: Alex shot rounds of 68, 70, 70, and 69, demonstrating remarkable consistency under pressure.
• Amateur Participation: Only three amateurs made the cut in 1982, underscoring the difficulty of the course setup.
• Historical Context: This was the 37th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, established in 1946 by the USGA.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1982 U.S. Women's Open with other notable editions in terms of scores, margins of victory, and prize money.

The 1982 event stands out for its wire-to-wire victory and low scoring relative to par. While later tournaments offered larger purses, Alex’s six-stroke margin was one of the most dominant in the 1980s, reflecting her precision and composure.

Why It Matters

The 1982 U.S. Women's Open remains a significant moment in golf history due to the unexpected nature of Alex’s victory and the high level of play she maintained throughout the week. It demonstrated that even lesser-known players could rise to the occasion on golf’s biggest stages.

• Historical Rarity: Alex is the only wire-to-wire champion in the 1980s, a feat that underscores her dominance.
• Underdog Story: As a non-tour regular, her win inspired future amateurs and under-the-radar professionals.
• Course Challenge: Del Paso’s setup tested accuracy, and Alex’s performance highlighted strategic shot-making over raw power.
• Media Attention: The win brought national attention to women’s golf, especially in non-traditional markets like Sacramento.
• Legacy: Alex never won another LPGA event, making this one of the most singular achievements in tour history.
• USGA Standards: The tournament reinforced the USGA’s commitment to challenging setups, influencing future course preparations.

The 1982 U.S. Women's Open endures as a testament to the unpredictability and excellence possible in championship golf, remembered for both its competitive rigor and the unforgettable rise of Janet Alex.