What Is 1999 US Women's Open

Overview

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's professional golf, marking the 54th edition of the prestigious championship. Held from July 8 to 11 at the Old Course at Oakland Hills Country Club in Rochester, New York, the event drew top players from around the world competing for one of the most demanding titles in golf.

The tournament was notable for its challenging course conditions and dramatic final leaderboard. Juli Inkster emerged victorious, capturing her second U.S. Women's Open title and eighth career major, solidifying her legacy in women's golf history.

• July 8–11, 1999: The 1999 U.S. Women's Open spanned four days at the Old Course at Oakland Hills Country Club in upstate New York.
• Juli Inkster: The American golfer won her second U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a total score of 287 (+7) over 72 holes.
• Runner-up Se Ri Pak: The South Korean star finished just two strokes behind Inkster at 289 (+9), marking another strong performance in her breakout season.
• Course setup: The Old Course at Oakland Hills played to a length of 6,477 yards and was set up with narrow fairways and fast greens to test precision.
• Weather impact: Persistent rain during the tournament softened the course early but led to firm, fast conditions by the final round due to drying winds.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is one of the five major championships in women's professional golf, organized annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The format follows a 72-hole stroke play structure with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field.

• 72-hole stroke play: Players complete four rounds; the lowest cumulative score wins, with ties broken by sudden-death playoff if needed.
• 36-hole cut: After two rounds, only the top 60 players and ties advance to the weekend rounds, increasing competitive intensity.
• Course setup: The USGA designs the course to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and challenging pin placements.
• Amateur eligibility: Female amateurs can qualify through sectional tournaments or exemptions based on world ranking or past performance.
• Prize money: In 1999, the total purse was $1.3 million, with $190,000 awarded to the winner, Juli Inkster.
• Qualifying process: Over 1,000 players enter local and sectional qualifiers, with only 156 advancing to the final field.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top finishers in the 1999 U.S. Women's Open, highlighting scores, nationalities, and prize earnings.

The leaderboard reflected a highly competitive field, with only six strokes separating the winner from the fifth-place finisher. International talent, led by Se Ri Pak and Annika Sörenstam, underscored the growing global influence in women's golf during the late 1990s.

Why It Matters

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event that highlighted the depth of talent in women's golf and the increasing competitiveness of the sport worldwide. Juli Inkster’s victory at age 38 demonstrated that experience and consistency could triumph over younger, emerging stars.

• Legacy of Juli Inkster: Her win marked her eighth major title, reinforcing her status as one of the greatest female golfers of her generation.
• Rise of international players: Se Ri Pak’s second-place finish signaled the growing dominance of international talent in LPGA events.
• Increased media attention: The tournament received widespread coverage, boosting visibility for women's professional golf in the U.S.
• Course difficulty: The USGA’s setup emphasized skill over power, influencing future course management strategies in major championships.
• Prize growth: The $1.3 million purse in 1999 reflected a steady increase in financial investment in women's golf tournaments.
• Amateur inspiration: The event inspired young female golfers worldwide, showing that major titles were attainable through dedication and skill.

The 1999 U.S. Women's Open remains a significant chapter in golf history, remembered for its competitive balance, challenging conditions, and the enduring performance of Juli Inkster under pressure.