What Is 1987 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 1987 United States Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's professional golf, marking the 42nd edition of the tournament and the first victory by a British player. Held at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey, the event took place from July 2 to July 5, 1987, drawing top talent from around the world.

English golfer Laura Davies emerged as the champion, securing her first U.S. Women's Open title in dramatic fashion. Her final score of 283 (+3) edged out Japan's Ayako Okamoto by a single stroke, making it one of the closest finishes in the tournament's history.

• Laura Davies became the first British woman to win the U.S. Women's Open, a milestone in international golf representation.
• The championship was played over four rounds at Plainfield Country Club, a course known for its challenging layout and thick rough.
• Davies entered the final round trailing but shot a steady 71 (+1) on Sunday to overtake the leaders and claim victory.
• Runner-up Ayako Okamoto finished with a total of 284 (+4), missing a chance to become Japan's first U.S. Women's Open champion.
• The tournament offered a total purse of $150,000, with Davies earning $37,500 as the winner—the standard winner's share at the time.

Championship Format and Structure

The U.S. Women's Open follows a strict, highly competitive format designed to test the endurance and precision of the world's best female golfers. Played over four days, the tournament features 72 holes of stroke play with a 36-hole cut to narrow the field after the second round.

• Format: The tournament uses 72-hole stroke play, with all players competing over four rounds regardless of ranking or seeding.
• Cut Rule: After 36 holes, only the top 60 players and ties advance, ensuring only the most consistent performers continue.
• Playoff: In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff is used to determine the champion.
• Eligibility: The field includes professionals and top amateurs who qualify through sectional or exemption criteria set by the USGA.
• Course Setup: In 1987, Plainfield was set up at 6,470 yards with a par of 70, emphasizing accuracy over distance.
• Weather Impact: Persistent rain during the weekend softened the greens, but high winds tested shot control and mental resilience.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open can be best understood by comparing its key metrics to other editions of the tournament:

The 1987 edition stands out for its narrow margin of victory and the international breakthrough it represented. While winning scores fluctuated due to course conditions, Davies' triumph was notable for her composure under pressure and the global attention it garnered. Compared to previous years, the 1987 tournament had tighter scoring and a more diverse field, reflecting the growing competitiveness of women's golf worldwide.

Why It Matters

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a turning point in the globalization of women's golf. Laura Davies' victory shattered national barriers and inspired a new generation of international players to compete at the highest level.

• Davies' win helped increase European participation in future U.S. Women's Opens, broadening the sport's appeal.
• The close finish highlighted the rising skill level among women golfers, narrowing competitive gaps across nations.
• Media coverage expanded significantly, with ABC Sports broadcasting the final round live, boosting the tournament's visibility.
• The event demonstrated the USGA's commitment to fair and rigorous course setups that tested all aspects of the game.
• It marked a shift toward more strategic shot-making over power, as Davies relied on consistency rather than distance.
• The tournament also paved the way for future British stars like Sophie Gustafson and Georgia Hall in women's golf.

In retrospect, the 1987 U.S. Women's Open stands as a landmark in golf history—not only for who won, but for what her victory symbolized: a more inclusive, competitive, and globally connected era in women's sports.