What Is 1985 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1985 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's golf history, held from July 11 to 14 at Baltusrol Golf Club’s Lower Course in Springfield, New Jersey. It marked the 40th edition of the tournament and was notable for being the first and only U.S. Women's Open victory for Kathy Whitworth, a legendary figure in LPGA history.

Whitworth, already a record-holder for most LPGA Tour wins (88), entered the tournament with determination, seeking to complete her resume with a long-elusive U.S. Open title. Her victory at age 45 made her the oldest champion in the tournament’s history—a record that still stands today.

• Kathy Whitworth claimed her first and only U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a total score of +10 (302) over four rounds.
• The event was held at Baltusrol Golf Club’s Lower Course, a challenging layout known for its thick rough and fast greens.
• Whitworth defeated Japanese star Ayako Okamoto by a narrow margin of one stroke, marking a dramatic final round.
• At 45 years and 18 days old, Whitworth became the oldest winner in the history of the U.S. Women's Open.
• This win completed a near-grand-slam career for Whitworth, who had previously won the other three major championships.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is a 72-hole stroke-play tournament run by the United States Golf Association (USGA), designed to test precision, endurance, and mental toughness under strict course conditions.

• Format: The tournament consists of four rounds of 18 holes, played over four consecutive days. Players compete in stroke play, with the lowest total score winning.
• Eligibility: Open to professional and amateur female golfers who qualify through sectional qualifying tournaments or meet exemption criteria set by the USGA.
• Course Setup: The USGA prepares courses with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens to emphasize accuracy and penalize mistakes.
• Qualifying: Over 1,000 players enter local and sectional qualifiers; only about 156 earn spots in the final field.
• Prize Money: In 1985, the total purse was $200,000, with Whitworth earning $30,000 as the champion.
• Amateur Exemptions: Top amateurs who meet score requirements receive special invitations, though few have contended in the modern era.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1985 U.S. Women's Open compares to other editions in terms of age, score, and margin of victory:

The 1985 tournament stands out for its high scoring and the age of its champion. While modern players benefit from advanced equipment and training, Whitworth’s victory in tough conditions at an older age underscores her resilience and skill. The high score of +10 reflects the difficulty of Baltusrol’s setup, typical of USGA philosophy at the time.

Why It Matters

The 1985 U.S. Women's Open remains a pivotal moment in golf history, symbolizing both the endurance of veteran players and the evolving nature of women’s professional sports.

• Kathy Whitworth became a role model for older athletes, proving age doesn’t preclude excellence in high-level competition.
• The win completed Whitworth’s near-major sweep, missing only the U.S. Open before finally claiming it late in her career.
• Her victory highlighted the depth of talent in the 1980s LPGA Tour, which included international stars like Ayako Okamoto.
• The tournament drew significant media attention, boosting visibility for women’s golf during a transitional era.
• Baltusrol’s selection underscored the USGA’s commitment to using classic, challenging courses for women’s majors.
• The event helped pave the way for greater prize money and sponsorship in later decades, influencing the LPGA’s growth.

Today, the 1985 U.S. Women's Open is remembered not just for its outcome, but for what it represented: perseverance, legacy, and the enduring power of competitive spirit in sports.