What Is 1991 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 1991 U.S. Women's Open was the 46th edition of the prestigious tournament, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held from July 11 to July 14, it featured a competitive field of 156 golfers vying for the championship at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

This event marked a significant milestone in Meg Mallon’s career, as she claimed her first U.S. Women's Open title. The tournament showcased high-level play under challenging conditions, with only 64 players making the 36-hole cut at 150 (+10).

• Meg Mallon won the tournament with a total score of 283 (+3), finishing two strokes ahead of Pat Bradley, who carded 285 (+5).
• The event was held at Colonial Country Club, a par-70 course measuring 6,475 yards, known for its tight fairways and small greens.
• Mallon shot rounds of 70, 71, 70, and 72, demonstrating remarkable consistency across all four days of competition.
• Defending champion Betsy King finished tied for 10th at 291 (+11), unable to repeat her 1990 victory.
• The purse totaled $550,000, with Mallon earning $100,000 as the winner, the largest share of the prize money.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is a 72-hole stroke play championship with a 36-hole cut after the second round. It features strict qualifying procedures and is open to both amateur and professional female golfers worldwide.

• Eligibility: Any female golfer with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4 can enter local qualifying; over 1,000 players typically apply.
• Qualifying: Players compete in 36-hole local and sectional qualifiers; 60 spots are available through this process.
• Field Size: The final field consists of 156 players, including past champions, top amateurs, and LPGA Tour stars.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and firm greens, often yielding high scores.
• Historic Significance: First held in 1946, the U.S. Women's Open is the oldest active championship in women's golf.
• Winning Margin: Mallon’s two-stroke victory in 1991 was one of the closest finishes in the tournament’s history during the early 1990s.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1991 U.S. Women's Open compares to other editions in the early 1990s:

The 1991 event stood out for its tight scoring and competitive field. Despite higher scores due to course difficulty, the tournament maintained its reputation for identifying the most resilient and technically skilled players under pressure.

Why It Matters

The 1991 U.S. Women's Open had a lasting impact on women’s golf, solidifying Meg Mallon’s status as a top-tier player and highlighting the depth of talent on the LPGA Tour. It also underscored the USGA’s role in maintaining high standards for national championships.

• Mallon’s victory was her second major title, following her 1988 du Maurier Classic win, and boosted her career profile significantly.
• The tournament showcased Pat Bradley, a veteran player, finishing as runner-up, proving her consistency at the highest level.
• Colonial Country Club’s selection marked a rare instance of a men’s PGA Tour venue hosting the women’s Open, promoting gender parity in course access.
• The event drew over 100,000 spectators, reflecting growing public interest in women’s professional golf during the early 1990s.
• It contributed to the LPGA’s rising visibility, helping secure new sponsorships and broadcast deals in the following years.
• The 1991 Open also inspired future champions, including Annika Sörenstam, who cited it as an early influence in her career.

Today, the 1991 U.S. Women's Open is remembered as a pivotal moment in women’s golf history, combining competitive excellence with broader cultural significance.