What Is 1984 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1984 U.S. Women's Open marked the 39th edition of one of golf’s most prestigious major championships. Held at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts, the event attracted a strong field of professional and amateur female golfers competing for the title and a significant purse.

This tournament is remembered for Amy Alcott’s dominant performance, which secured her first and only U.S. Women's Open win. Her victory added to her growing legacy in women’s golf, which already included multiple LPGA Tour titles and a previous major championship.

• Amy Alcott claimed victory with a total score of 283 (+3), the only under-par finish among top contenders, showcasing her consistency across four rounds.
• The event was held from July 12 to 15, 1984, during a heatwave in New England, which made course conditions especially challenging due to firm, fast greens.
• Salem Country Club, a classic Donald Ross-designed course, played to 6,235 yards and was set up to test accuracy and mental endurance under pressure.
• Alcott’s margin of victory was four strokes, as runner-up Patty Sheehan finished with a 287 (+7), highlighting the difficulty of the course setup.
• The purse totaled $175,000, with Alcott earning $35,000 as champion—the largest winner’s share in the tournament’s history up to that point.

Performance & Strategy

Amy Alcott’s win was built on a combination of precise iron play, solid putting, and mental resilience, especially during the final round where she maintained focus despite strong winds.

• First Round: Alcott opened with a 70 (−1), placing her in the top five and setting the tone for a steady week with minimal mistakes.
• Second Round: She shot 71 (E), maintaining her lead as competitors struggled with the course’s narrow fairways and thick rough.
• Third Round: A crucial 71 (E) kept her ahead of Sheehan, who closed within two strokes after birdieing the 17th hole.
• Final Round: Alcott carded a 71 (E) on a tense Sunday, sealing victory with a par on the difficult 18th hole.
• Putting Average: She led the field with a 28.5 putts per round, a key factor in her success on the slick, undulating greens.
• Driving Accuracy: Alcott ranked first in fairways hit, finding 78% of fairways, which gave her a significant advantage in positioning.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the top finishers in the 1984 U.S. Women's Open reveals the tight competition and course difficulty.

The table illustrates how small differences in scoring separated the leaders, with Alcott’s consistency proving decisive. Only five players finished within 10 strokes of the lead, underscoring the course’s difficulty and the high level of play required.

Why It Matters

The 1984 U.S. Women's Open remains a significant milestone in women’s golf history, both for Amy Alcott’s personal achievement and for the tournament’s role in advancing the sport’s visibility.

• This victory marked Alcott’s fifth major title, cementing her status as one of the leading players of the 1980s.
• Her win helped increase media coverage of women’s golf, contributing to increased LPGA sponsorship in the mid-1980s.
• The tournament demonstrated that women could thrive under major championship pressure, challenging outdated perceptions about athletic endurance.
• Salem Country Club’s selection highlighted the USGA’s commitment to using challenging, historic courses for women’s majors.
• Alcott’s sportsmanship and grace under pressure set a standard for future champions and inspired younger players.
• The 1984 Open was one of the first women’s events to receive national television coverage on USA Network, expanding its audience.

Today, the 1984 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not just for Alcott’s triumph, but for its contribution to the growing professionalism and respect for women’s golf on the global stage.