What Is 2000 U.S. Women's Open

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 U.S. Women's Open was the 55th edition of the tournament, held from July 6–9 at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Karrie Webb won the championship by five strokes with a total score of 278 (−6), securing her second consecutive U.S. Women's Open title.

Key Facts

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open was held from July 6–9, 2000, at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Karrie Webb won with a score of 278 (−6), five strokes ahead of runner-up Se Ri Pak
This was Webb's second consecutive U.S. Women's Open victory, following her 1999 win
Merion Golf Club hosted the Women's Open for the first time in its history in 2000
The tournament had a total purse of $1.8 million, with $270,000 awarded to the winner

Overview

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 55th edition of the tournament and the first time it was hosted at the historic Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Held from July 6 to 9, the event drew a strong field of competitors, including past champions and rising stars, all vying for one of the most prestigious titles in women's golf.

Ultimately, Australian golfer Karrie Webb claimed victory with a commanding performance, finishing at 278 (−6) and winning by five strokes over South Korea's Se Ri Pak. This win solidified Webb's status as a dominant force in women's golf, as she became the first player since Pat Bradley in 1986 to win back-to-back U.S. Women's Open titles.

Merion Golf Club: Hosted the U.S. Women's Open for the first time in 2000, marking a significant moment in the club's 100-year history.
Karrie Webb: Shot a final-round 66 to finish at 278 (−6), securing her second consecutive U.S. Women's Open title and fourth major overall.
Se Ri Pak: Finished second at 283 (+1), continuing her strong performance in U.S. Opens after winning in 1998.
Tournament purse: Totaled $1.8 million, with $270,000 awarded to the champion, reflecting the growing financial stature of women's golf.
Weather conditions: Players faced challenging winds and firm greens, typical of USGA setups, which emphasized precision and course management.

How It Was Played

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open followed the standard 72-hole stroke play format used by the USGA, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field to the top 60 and ties. The course setup at Merion emphasized accuracy over distance, with narrow fairways and thick rough, testing even the most seasoned professionals.

Format: 72 holes of stroke play with a 36-hole cut; 156 players started, 68 advanced after the cut.
Course length: Merion East Course measured 6,494 yards, playing to a par of 70 during the tournament.
Scoring average: The field averaged 73.8 strokes per round, highlighting the difficulty of the course setup.
Lowest round: Karrie Webb shot a 66 in the final round, the lowest score of the tournament and a key to her victory.
Driving accuracy: Webb ranked first in fairways hit (82%), a critical factor in navigating Merion's tight layout.
Putting: Webb led the field in putts per round (28.0), demonstrating her composure on the greens under pressure.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2000 U.S. Women's Open with previous editions highlights trends in scoring, course difficulty, and player performance over time.

Year	Champion	Winning Score	Winning Margin	Course
1998	Se Ri Pak	279 (−1)	1 stroke	Blackwolf Run
1999	Karrie Webb	277 (−11)	6 strokes	Pelican Hills
2000	Karrie Webb	278 (−6)	5 strokes	Merion GC
2001	Kristi Albers	281 (+1)	1 stroke	Brookline
2002	Juli Inkster	278 (−6)	1 stroke	Princeton

The table shows that while scoring varied based on course conditions, Webb's 2000 victory stood out for both dominance and consistency. Her five-stroke margin was the largest since her own 1999 win, and her ability to perform under pressure at Merion set a benchmark for future champions.

Why It Matters

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in the evolution of women's golf, showcasing elite competition and growing public interest in the sport. It highlighted the global reach of the LPGA, with players from Australia, South Korea, and the U.S. dominating the leaderboard.

Global talent: The top five finishers represented three different countries, underscoring the international nature of women's golf.
Course legacy: Merion's hosting proved that classic courses could be adapted for women's championships, influencing future venue selections.
Media coverage: The event received expanded television coverage, helping boost the visibility of the LPGA Tour.
Inspiration: Webb's back-to-back wins inspired a generation of young golfers, particularly in Australia and Asia.
Historical significance: The tournament marked the first Women's Open held east of the Mississippi since 1990, broadening its geographic footprint.
Player legacy: Karrie Webb's performance cemented her as one of the greatest female golfers of her era, with four major titles by age 25.

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open remains a standout event in golf history, remembered for its high-level competition, historic venue, and the rise of a dominant champion. Its legacy continues to influence how women's majors are structured and celebrated today.