What Is 1985 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1985 United States Women's Open marked a historic milestone in women's golf, celebrating its 40th edition. Held at the prestigious Baltusrol Golf Club’s Lower Course in Springfield, New Jersey, the tournament attracted a strong field of competitors vying for one of the most coveted titles in women’s golf.

This Open was particularly notable for Kathy Whitworth, a legendary figure in the sport who had long pursued victory in this championship. Her win at age 45 not only secured her legacy but also set a precedent as the first woman to win the U.S. Women's Open in her 15th straight appearance.

• Baltusrol Golf Club hosted the event for the first time, featuring its challenging Lower Course designed by A.W. Tillinghast, known for its thick rough and fast greens.
• The tournament spanned four days, from July 11 to 14, 1985, with 18 holes played each day under often difficult weather conditions.
• Kathy Whitworth entered the final round trailing but shot a steady 73 to finish at 296 (+8), overcoming a three-shot deficit.
• Runner-up Ayako Okamoto finished with a score of 297, narrowly missing a birdie putt on the 18th that would have forced a playoff.
• This victory marked Whitworth’s 88th LPGA Tour win, though it was her first and only U.S. Women's Open title despite numerous prior attempts.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play tournament, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 and ties. It emphasizes precision, endurance, and mental toughness under USGA regulations.

• Format: The tournament uses 72 holes of stroke play over four days. Players compete for the lowest cumulative score, with ties after 72 holes resolved by an 18-hole playoff.
• Eligibility: Open to professional female golfers and amateurs with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4, per USGA guidelines established in 1946.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and firm greens. In 1985, Baltusrol played to 6,274 yards and a par of 71.
• Scoring: In 1985, the winning score was 296 (+8), reflecting the difficulty of the course and weather conditions, which included wind and intermittent rain.
• Prize Money: The total purse was $200,000, with $30,000 awarded to Whitworth, a significant sum at the time for women’s professional golf.
• Historical Context: This win made Whitworth the oldest first-time winner of the U.S. Women's Open at age 45, highlighting her perseverance and skill longevity.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1985 U.S. Women's Open to other editions reveals trends in scoring, participation, and course difficulty over time.

The 1985 event stands out for its high winning score and the age of the champion. While later years saw lower scores due to advances in equipment and course conditioning, Whitworth’s victory at 45 remains one of the most resilient performances in the tournament’s history, especially compared to younger winners in subsequent decades.

Why It Matters

The 1985 U.S. Women's Open holds lasting significance in the evolution of women's professional golf, symbolizing both personal triumph and broader progress in the sport. It underscored the importance of perseverance and experience in a field increasingly dominated by younger athletes.

• Kathy Whitworth’s win demonstrated that veteran players could still compete at the highest level, inspiring older athletes across disciplines.
• The event helped raise the visibility of women’s golf during a transitional period, contributing to increased media coverage and sponsorship.
• Winning at age 45 made Whitworth the oldest champion in the tournament’s history at the time, a record that stood for years.
• Her victory highlighted the mental and physical demands of major championships, especially on challenging USGA setups like Baltusrol.
• The tournament also emphasized the global nature of the sport, with runner-up Ayako Okamoto representing Japan’s rising influence in women’s golf.
• Historically, the 1985 Open is remembered for its competitive tension and dramatic final round, cementing its place in LPGA lore.

Ultimately, the 1985 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a testament to longevity, resilience, and the enduring appeal of one of golf’s most prestigious events.