What Is 1991 US 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 14, it took place at the historic Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, a course known for its tight fairways and challenging greens.

This edition of the Open was notable for its competitive field and dramatic final round. Meg Mallon emerged victorious, capturing her first U.S. Women's Open title and solidifying her status among the elite in women's golf.

• Meg Mallon claimed her first U.S. Women's Open title with a final score of 276 (−4), the lowest total relative to par that year.
• The tournament was held at Colonial Country Club, a course typically associated with the PGA Tour’s Colonial event, making this a rare women’s major there.
• Mallon finished four strokes ahead of second-place finisher Pat Bradley, who shot 280 (E) for the tournament.
• This win marked Mallon’s second major championship, following her 1988 du Maurier Classic victory.
• With a prize purse of $1 million, the 1991 Open offered the winner $150,000, one of the largest payouts in women’s golf at the time.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is an annual 72-hole stroke play championship open to both amateur and professional female golfers, with qualifying rounds determining the final field.

• Format: The tournament follows a 72-hole stroke play format over four days; the player with the lowest total score wins. Ties after 72 holes lead to a two-hole aggregate playoff.
• Eligibility: Any female golfer, amateur or professional, can qualify if they meet USGA handicap requirements or earn entry via performance or status.
• Qualifying: Most players must advance through 36-hole local qualifiers held across the U.S. and internationally, with only top finishers earning spots in the final field.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up the course to emphasize precision, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens, often resulting in high scores and strategic play.
• Field Size: The final field consists of 156 players, including past champions, top-ranked amateurs, and qualifiers from around the world.
• History: First held in 1946, the U.S. Women's Open is one of the five major championships in women’s golf and is administered by the USGA.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1991 U.S. Women's Open compares to other editions in terms of key metrics:

The 1991 tournament stood out for its relatively low scoring, with Mallon’s −4 being the best under-par total since 1982. Colonial’s layout, though challenging, played slightly more forgiving than previous years due to favorable weather conditions. This contributed to tighter scoring and heightened competition, especially in the final round between Mallon and Bradley.

Why It Matters

The 1991 U.S. Women's Open played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of women’s golf in the early 1990s, highlighting both individual excellence and the growing professionalism of the LPGA Tour.

• Meg Mallon’s victory solidified her as a top-tier player, contributing to her eventual induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.
• The event showcased parity in women’s golf, with no single dominant player, as five different winners claimed the Open from 1987 to 1991.
• Colonial Country Club’s hosting of the event marked a rare instance of a men’s PGA Tour venue being used for a women’s major, increasing visibility.
• The $1 million purse reflected growing investment in women’s sports, though still significantly less than men’s counterparts at the time.
• Television coverage expanded that year, helping boost fan engagement and interest in the LPGA Tour.
• The win contributed to Mallon’s legacy, who later served as Ryder Cup assistant captain and remained a respected voice in golf commentary.

Ultimately, the 1991 U.S. Women's Open remains a milestone in golf history, remembered for its competitive depth, historic venue, and the breakthrough performance of Meg Mallon on one of the sport’s biggest stages.