What Is 2006 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2006 United States Women's Open was a pivotal event in women's professional golf, marking the 61st edition of the tournament. Hosted at the historic Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, it was the first time the U.S. Women's Open had been held there since 1895.

This championship was notable for its challenging course conditions and dramatic finish. Played from July 6 to 9, 2006, it featured a strong field of 156 players competing across 72 holes of stroke play.

• Annika Sörenstam captured her third U.S. Women's Open title, finishing with a 4-over-par total of 288, demonstrating exceptional consistency under pressure.
• The event was held at Newport Country Club, a course redesigned by Perry Maxwell, known for its narrow fairways and thick rough, increasing difficulty.
• Erika Fischl finished as runner-up at 5-over-par 289, narrowly missing a playoff after a final-round 71.
• Only 57 players made the 36-hole cut at 10-over-par, highlighting the course's extreme difficulty and firm, fast greens.
• The tournament marked the first U.S. Women's Open in Rhode Island and the first major championship at Newport since the 1895 U.S. Open.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates as a 72-hole stroke play championship with a cut after 36 holes. Administered by the USGA, it features a global field of professionals and top amateurs meeting qualifying criteria.

• Qualifying Process: Over 1,500 players enter local and sectional qualifiers. The field includes top LPGA performers, amateurs, and international stars.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up courses to test precision with narrow fairways, thick rough, and firm greens, often leading to high winning scores.
• Field Size: The tournament includes 156 players, with exemptions for past champions, top LPGA earners, and major winners.
• Prize Money: In 2006, the total purse was $3 million, with Sörenstam earning $560,000 as champion.
• Amateur Participation: Top amateurs who qualify receive exemptions, though none finished in the top 10 in 2006.
• Weather Impact: Windy conditions throughout the week led to high scores, with only two sub-par rounds recorded during the entire tournament.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2006 U.S. Women's Open to other editions highlights its unique challenges and outcomes.

The 2006 event stands out for its high winning score and low number of sub-par rounds, reflecting the difficulty of Newport Country Club. Despite similar scores to prior years, the course setup and weather made it one of the most grueling Opens in recent memory.

Why It Matters

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open was significant for its historical context, competitive drama, and impact on women's golf. It reinforced the USGA's commitment to challenging course setups and global competitiveness.

• Annika Sörenstam's legacy was enhanced, as her third Open title placed her among the all-time greats in women's golf history.
• The tournament highlighted the growing parity in women's golf, with players from 15 countries competing at a high level.
• Television coverage on ESPN and NBC increased visibility, drawing an average of 1.2 million viewers per round.
• It marked a resurgence in interest in women's majors, following declining attention in the early 2000s.
• The success of international players like Fischl and Choi emphasized the globalization of the sport.
• Newport's historic layout brought attention to classic course architecture and its role in modern championships.

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open remains a benchmark for competitive difficulty and dramatic finishes, influencing how future Opens are staged and remembered.