What Is 1987 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 U.S. Women's Open was won by Laura Davies, who claimed her first U.S. Women's Open title at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey, with a final score of 289 (+9), one stroke ahead of runner-up Ayako Okamoto. This victory marked Davies' first major championship in her professional career.

Key Facts

Laura Davies won the 1987 U.S. Women's Open with a score of 289 (+9).
The tournament was held at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey.
Laura Davies secured her first major championship title with this win.
She defeated Ayako Okamoto by one stroke.
The event took place from July 9 to July 12, 1987.

Overview

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open was the 42nd edition of the championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey, the tournament attracted a strong international field, culminating in a dramatic one-stroke victory by English golfer Laura Davies.

Davies, then 23 years old, entered the final round trailing but delivered a clutch performance to claim her first major title. Her win was historic not only for its narrow margin but also because it marked a breakthrough for European players in one of women's golf's most prestigious events.

Laura Davies shot a final-round 71 to finish at +9 (289), edging out Ayako Okamoto by a single stroke after four rounds of intense competition.
The tournament was played from July 9 to July 12, 1987, during a humid summer week in central New Jersey, affecting scoring conditions.
Plainfield Country Club, a classic A.W. Tillinghast design, presented a challenging 6,399-yard layout with narrow fairways and fast greens.
Davies became the first Englishwoman to win the U.S. Women's Open since its inception in 1946, a milestone in international golf.
Her victory earned her $65,000 from a total purse of $350,000, the largest first-place prize in women's golf at the time.

How It Was Played

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open followed standard USGA stroke-play rules, with 72 holes over four days. After 36 holes, the field was cut to the low 60 scorers and ties, ensuring only the top performers advanced to the weekend.

Stroke Play Format: The tournament used a 72-hole stroke-play format, with the lowest total score winning. Each round consisted of 18 holes over four consecutive days.
Course Conditions: The USGA set up Plainfield with narrow fairways and thick rough, resulting in a scoring average of 74.5—well above par.
Weather Impact: High humidity and sporadic rain softened the greens, making approach shots more difficult and increasing three-putt occurrences.
Field Size: A total of 156 players started the event, including defending champion Hollis Stacy and LPGA legends like Patty Sheehan.
Final Round Drama: Davies entered Sunday one shot behind Okamoto but birdied the 14th and 16th holes to take the lead, holding on despite a bogey on 18.
Historic Significance: This win made Davies the first non-American in five years to win the title, breaking a U.S.-dominated streak since 1982.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1987 U.S. Women's Open compares to other editions in terms of scoring, margin of victory, and prize money:

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Margin	First Prize
1987	Laura Davies	+9 (289)	1 stroke	$65,000
1986	Ayako Okamoto	−2 (286)	1 stroke	$60,000
1985	Pat Bradley	−8 (280)	2 strokes	$55,000
1984	Pat Bradley	−10 (278)	3 strokes	$50,000
1983	Joanne Carner	−6 (282)	1 stroke	$45,000

The 1987 event stood out for its high scoring and tight finish. Despite a tougher course setup than previous years, the prize money continued its upward trend, reflecting the growing professionalism of women's golf. Davies’ win also signaled a shift toward greater international competitiveness in the sport.

Why It Matters

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open had lasting implications for the visibility and global reach of women's professional golf. Laura Davies’ victory inspired a generation of European players and demonstrated that Americans no longer dominated the sport by default.

Globalization of Golf: Davies’ win helped popularize women's golf in Europe, leading to increased LPGA participation from non-U.S. players.
Breaking Barriers: As the first Englishwoman to win, she shattered perceptions about national dominance in women's majors.
Media Attention: The close finish and international storyline boosted TV ratings and press coverage, elevating the tournament's profile.
Role Model Effect: Young golfers like Sophie Gustafson and Catriona Matthew cited Davies as an early inspiration.
Prize Growth: The $65,000 first prize in 1987 was a 8% increase from 1986, signaling financial growth in women's sports.
Legacy of Resilience: Davies overcame a three-putt on the final hole to win, showcasing mental toughness now emulated by modern players.

The 1987 U.S. Women's Open remains a landmark event in golf history—not just for the outcome, but for the doors it opened internationally and the standards it set for competitive excellence.