What Is 2000 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2000 United States Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking Karrie Webb's dominance during the early 2000s. Held at the New England Golf Club in Salem, Massachusetts, the event drew top players from around the world and showcased elite-level competition under challenging course conditions.

The tournament, organized by the USGA, featured a 72-hole stroke play format with a cut after 36 holes. Webb's performance stood out due to her consistency and composure, especially on the final day, where she maintained a steady lead despite pressure from Se Ri Pak and other contenders.

• Karrie Webb shot a total of 275 (−9) over four rounds, winning by six strokes—the largest margin of victory in a U.S. Women's Open since 1990.
• The event took place from July 13–16, 2000, making it one of the few majors held in mid-summer New England weather.
• Webb’s final-round 69 was crucial, as she avoided major mistakes on a course known for thick rough and fast greens.
• The New England Golf Club was a par-71 layout stretching 6,448 yards, presenting unique challenges compared to traditional Open setups.
• Amateur standout Virada Pinchapol finished T10, the highest non-professional, highlighting the depth of talent in the field.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a strict format governed by the USGA, emphasizing fairness and competitive rigor. Players qualify through sectional events or exemptions, with the final field competing in four rounds of stroke play.

• Qualification Process: Over 1,000 players entered local and sectional qualifiers; only 156 earned spots in the final field. Exemptions were granted to past champions and top LPGA performers.
• Course Setup: The USGA designed the course with narrow fairways and high rough, averaging 6,448 yards and a par of 71 to test precision and endurance.
• Scoring Format: A 72-hole stroke play format was used, with a 36-hole cut reducing the field to the top 60 and ties after two rounds.
• Prize Money: The total purse was $1.8 million, with $270,000 awarded to the winner—among the highest in women’s golf at the time.
• Weather Impact: Rain delayed the first round by one day, compressing play and testing players’ stamina during a condensed schedule.
• Historic Significance: This was the first U.S. Women's Open held in Massachusetts since 1983, drawing strong regional interest and record attendance.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2000 U.S. Women's Open compared to recent editions in key metrics:

The 2000 tournament stands out for Webb’s commanding six-stroke victory, a margin rarely seen in modern Opens. While purses have since tripled, the 2000 event was significant for solidifying Webb’s legacy and raising the profile of women’s golf during a transitional era.

Why It Matters

The 2000 U.S. Women's Open had lasting implications for the sport, both in terms of player legacies and the evolution of the championship itself. It highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s golf and set benchmarks for future tournaments.

• Karrie Webb became the first player since Betsy King (1989–1990) to win back-to-back U.S. Women's Opens, cementing her as a dominant force.
• The victory contributed to Webb earning $1.7 million in 2000, making her the first woman to surpass $1 million in a single LPGA season.
• Se Ri Pak’s runner-up finish boosted her popularity in the U.S., helping grow international interest in women’s golf.
• The event demonstrated the USGA’s ability to stage major tournaments in non-traditional golf markets like New England.
• Webb’s performance under pressure set a standard for mental toughness, influencing training approaches for future players.
• The 2000 Open helped increase TV coverage and sponsorship for the LPGA, contributing to long-term growth in the 2000s.

Ultimately, the 2000 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a milestone in the professionalization and visibility of women’s golf, remembered for Webb’s excellence and the tournament’s broader cultural impact.