What Is 2002 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 2002 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's golf, marking veteran Juli Inkster's final major victory. Held at the historic Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas, the tournament showcased both resilience and precision under challenging conditions.

Competing against a strong field that included past champions and rising stars, Inkster delivered a composed performance across four rounds. Her victory at age 42 underscored her longevity and consistency in a sport often dominated by younger athletes.

• Juli Inkster won her seventh major title, finishing at +1 for the tournament, one stroke ahead of Karrie Webb.
• The event was held from July 11–14, 2002, marking the first time Prairie Dunes hosted the Women's Open since 1977.
• With a total purse of $2.5 million, the winner's share was $375,000, one of the largest in women's golf at the time.
• Course conditions were difficult due to wind and firm greens, with only four players finishing under par across the four rounds.
• Inkster's final round included a crucial birdie on the 17th hole, helping her maintain a narrow lead down the stretch.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted annually by the USGA and features a 72-hole stroke play format with a cut after 36 holes.

• Format: The tournament follows a 72-hole stroke play format, with a 36-hole cut reducing the field to the top 60 players and ties.
• Eligibility: Players qualify through sectional tournaments or exemptions based on professional status, amateur rankings, or past performance.
• Course Setup: The USGA emphasizes challenging setups with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast, undulating greens to test all aspects of the game.
• Scoring: The player with the lowest total strokes after four rounds wins; ties are resolved through an 18-hole playoff the next day.
• Prize Money: The 2002 purse was $2.5 million, with $375,000 awarded to the champion, reflecting growing investment in women's golf.
• Historical Significance: The U.S. Women's Open is one of five majors in women's golf and has been held annually since 1946.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key metrics from the 2002 U.S. Women's Open and other recent editions:

The 2002 edition stood out for its high winning score and challenging conditions. Prairie Dunes' natural dunes and wind made scoring difficult, resulting in only one player finishing under par. This contrasted with previous years where lower scores were common on more forgiving courses.

Why It Matters

The 2002 U.S. Women's Open holds lasting significance in the history of women's golf, both for its competitive drama and symbolic milestones.

• Juli Inkster became the oldest woman to win the U.S. Women's Open since Babe Zaharias in 1950, highlighting her enduring skill.
• The tournament showcased the growing depth of talent, with players from 18 countries competing, including top-ranked Karrie Webb.
• It marked the first time Prairie Dunes hosted the event since 1977, bringing attention to classic course design in major championships.
• The $2.5 million purse reflected increasing financial support for women's professional golf during the early 2000s.
• Inkster's win inspired a generation of older athletes to remain competitive at the highest levels of the sport.
• The event also demonstrated the USGA's commitment to challenging setups, emphasizing skill over distance.

Ultimately, the 2002 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a testament to perseverance, course strategy, and the evolving landscape of women's sports.