What Is 2005 U.S. Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2005 U.S. Women's Open was the 60th edition of the tournament, held from July 11–17 at Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado. Birdie Kim famously holed out from the bunker on the 72nd hole to win her first major title, finishing with a score of 287 (+7).

Key Facts

The 2005 U.S. Women's Open was the 60th edition of the tournament.
It took place from July 11–17, 2005, at Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado.
Birdie Kim won her first major title with a final score of 287 (+7).
Kim famously holed out from a greenside bunker on the 18th hole in the final round.
The tournament had a purse of $2.5 million, with $375,000 going to the winner.

Overview

The 2005 U.S. Women's Open marked a historic moment in women's golf, celebrating its 60th anniversary as one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Held at the iconic Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, the tournament drew a global field of elite players competing for the title and a significant share of the $2.5 million purse.

What made this edition particularly memorable was the dramatic final round, highlighted by South Korean golfer Birdie Kim's stunning shot from the bunker on the 72nd hole. Her performance not only secured her first major championship but also became one of the most iconic moments in U.S. Women's Open history.

Birdie Kim claimed her first major title, finishing at 287 (+7), overcoming a challenging course setup and strong competition.
The tournament was held from July 11–17, 2005, marking the first time the U.S. Women's Open returned to Cherry Hills since 1950.
Cherry Hills Country Club presented a demanding 6,747-yard, par-71 layout, with thick rough and fast greens testing all players.
Kim’s final-round hole-out from the bunker on the 18th hole was the first in U.S. Women's Open history under pressure to win or tie.
Shaniya Jim finished second at 288 (+8), just one stroke behind Kim, making it one of the closest finishes in recent memory.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and follows a strict format designed to test the world's best female golfers under the most challenging conditions.

Format: The tournament is a 72-hole stroke play event with a 36-hole cut after the second round; only the top 60 players and ties advance.
Eligibility: Open to all female professionals and amateurs with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4, though most qualifiers are top-ranked players.
Qualifying: Players can earn entry through sectional qualifying tournaments held across the U.S. and internationally, or via exemptions based on rankings.
Course Setup: The USGA emphasizes difficulty, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens—Cherry Hills averaged 71.0 strokes per round in 2005.
Purse: The total prize fund was $2.5 million, with the winner receiving $375,000, the largest share in women's golf at the time.
History: First held in 1946, the U.S. Women's Open is the oldest ongoing championship in women's golf, predating the LPGA Tour itself.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2005 U.S. Women's Open with other major women's championships highlights its unique difficulty and prestige.

Tournament	Year	Winner	Winning Score	Winner's Share
U.S. Women's Open	2005	Birdie Kim	287 (+7)	$375,000
LPGA Championship	2005	Karrie Webb	278 (−10)	$300,000
Women's British Open	2005	Juli Inkster	281 (+1)	£225,000
Women's PGA Championship	2005	Kristy McPherson	276 (−12)	$270,000
ANA Inspiration	2005	Meg Mallon	277 (−11)	$225,000

The 2005 U.S. Women's Open stood out for its high winning score of +7, reflecting the tough course conditions. In contrast, other majors that year saw winning scores under par, underscoring the USGA's emphasis on difficulty. The larger purse also reinforced its status as the most lucrative and demanding event in women's golf.

Why It Matters

The 2005 U.S. Women's Open had a lasting impact on the sport, both for its dramatic conclusion and its role in elevating international talent in women's golf. Birdie Kim's victory brought attention to South Korea's rising dominance in the LPGA and inspired a new generation of players.

Historic Shot: Kim’s bunker hole-out on the 18th was the first of its kind in U.S. Women's Open history to decide the title.
Global Reach: The win highlighted the growing internationalization of the LPGA, with South Korean players becoming dominant forces.
Media Attention: The dramatic finish earned widespread coverage, boosting viewership and interest in women's golf.
Course Legacy: Cherry Hills’ return to the women’s circuit proved that classic courses could challenge modern players.
USGA Standards: The high winning score reaffirmed the USGA’s commitment to maintaining the Open’s difficulty and integrity.
Inspiration: Kim’s underdog victory inspired young golfers worldwide, especially in Asia, to pursue careers in professional golf.

The 2005 U.S. Women's Open remains a benchmark for drama, difficulty, and excellence in women's golf. Its legacy endures not just in record books, but in the stories of perseverance and triumph it helped create.