What Is 1984 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1984 U.S. Women's Open was the 39th edition of the tournament, held from July 12–15 at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts. Pat Bradley won her only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a score of 290 (+6), three strokes ahead of runner-up Beth Daniel.

Key Facts

The 1984 U.S. Women's Open took place from July 12–15, 1984
Pat Bradley won with a total score of 290 (+6), her first U.S. Women's Open victory
The tournament was held at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts
Runner-up Beth Daniel finished at 293 (+9), three strokes behind Bradley
This was the 39th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, established in 1946

Overview

The 1984 U.S. Women's Open marked a pivotal moment in women's golf history, held at the historic Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts. This championship was the 39th edition of the tournament, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), and attracted a strong field of professional and amateur golfers from around the world.

Pat Bradley emerged as the champion, securing her first and only U.S. Women's Open title. Her victory was notable not only for its competitive intensity but also because it solidified her status among the elite players of the era, joining an exclusive list of golfers who have claimed this prestigious title.

Event dates: The tournament was played from July 12 to July 15, 1984, following the traditional four-day format of major golf championships.
Location: Salem Country Club, a classic Donald Ross-designed course, hosted the event for the first time, located in Peabody, Massachusetts.
Winner:Pat Bradley claimed victory with a four-round total of 290 (+6), winning by three strokes.
Runner-up:Beth Daniel finished in second place with a score of 293 (+9), maintaining strong contention throughout the weekend.
Historical context: This win was Bradley’s third major title, following her 1980 LPGA Championship and 1981 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship victories.

How It Worked

The 1984 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard structure of a 72-hole stroke play tournament, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. The USGA enforced strict course conditions, emphasizing precision and mental resilience under pressure.

Format:72 holes of stroke play with a 36-hole cut; the top 60 players and ties advanced to the weekend rounds.
Course length: Salem Country Club played at 6,272 yards, a par-72 layout, challenging players with narrow fairways and thick rough.
Winning score: Pat Bradley finished at 290 (+6), reflecting the difficult scoring conditions influenced by wind and firm greens.
Prize money: The winner received $45,000 from a total purse of $200,000, a significant sum for women’s golf at the time.
Amateur participation:12 amateurs competed, with only two making the cut, highlighting the dominance of professional players.
Weather impact: Gusty conditions on the final day increased scoring difficulty, with only two players breaking 70 on Sunday.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1984 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood by comparing it to other major championships of the era. The table below highlights key metrics from this event versus selected years.

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Location	Winner’s Prize
1984	Pat Bradley	290 (+6)	Salem CC, MA	$45,000
1980	Pat Bradley	295 (+7)	Richland, WA	$30,000
1982	Juli Inkster	287 (−5)	Delaware, OH	$35,000
1979	Betty Stewart	302 (+14)	Maplewood, NJ	$30,000
1985	Kathy Whitworth	293 (+9)	Maplewood, MN	$45,000

Comparing these years shows that scoring in 1984 was typical for the era, with tight competition and modest prize growth. The consistency in course difficulty and prize structure reflects the steady development of women’s professional golf during the 1980s.

Why It Matters

The 1984 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a milestone in the careers of several top players and a symbol of the growing professionalism in women’s golf. Bradley’s victory, in particular, demonstrated the depth of talent and the increasing competitiveness of the LPGA Tour.

Legacy of Pat Bradley: This win cemented Bradley’s status as one of the top players of the 1980s, contributing to her eventual 31 LPGA Tour wins.
Historic venue: Salem Country Club had previously hosted men’s majors, and this event elevated its reputation in women’s golf history.
Media coverage: The tournament received increased television exposure, helping grow the visibility of women’s golf nationally.
Competition depth: With top players like Daniel, Amy Alcott, and Laura Davies competing, the field was one of the strongest of the decade.
Impact on future majors: The tight scoring and dramatic finish influenced future course setups for USGA women’s championships.
Gender equity: Though still lagging behind men’s purses, the $200,000 prize fund reflected gradual progress in financial parity.

The 1984 U.S. Women's Open remains a significant chapter in golf history, remembered for its competitive integrity, iconic winner, and contribution to the evolution of women’s sports.