What Is 2006 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 U.S. Women's Open was the 61st edition of the tournament, held from July 6–9 at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. Annika Sörenstam won her third U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 287 (+7), one stroke ahead of runner-up Sophie Gustafson.

Key Facts

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open took place from July 6–9, 2006
It was held at Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island
Annika Sörenstam won with a four-round total of 287 (+7)
Sörenstam claimed her third U.S. Women's Open title in her career
Sophie Gustafson finished second, one stroke behind the winner

Overview

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal event in women's professional golf, marking the 61st edition of the tournament and one of the most competitive in recent memory. Held at the historic Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, it was the first time the U.S. Women's Open had been hosted there since 1895.

The event attracted a strong international field, including top-ranked players from the LPGA Tour and rising stars from around the globe. Played under challenging weather conditions, the tournament tested endurance and precision, with low scores hard to come by on the tree-lined, undulating course.

July 6–9, 2006 marked the official dates of the tournament, making it one of the longest-running major championships in women’s golf.
Newport Country Club, a classic Donald Ross design, was lengthened to 6,877 yards for the event and played to a par of 71.
Annika Sörenstam, the Swedish legend, claimed her third U.S. Women's Open title, having previously won in 1995 and 1996.
Sörenstam finished with a total score of 287 (+7), one stroke ahead of Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson, who shot 288.
The final round saw Sörenstam shoot a steady 72 (+1), holding off late surges from Gustafson and other contenders.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is conducted annually by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and is one of the five major championships in women’s golf. It features a 72-hole stroke play format with a 36-hole cut after the second round.

Format: The tournament uses a 72-hole stroke play format. After 36 holes, the top 60 players and ties advance to the weekend rounds.
Eligibility: Open to both amateur and professional female golfers who qualify through sectional tournaments or meet exemption criteria set by the USGA.
Course Setup: The USGA sets up the course to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and firm, fast greens to challenge even the best players.
Prize Money: In 2006, the total purse was $3.1 million, with the winner receiving $560,000—making it one of the richest events in women’s golf.
Historic Significance: First held in 1946, the U.S. Women's Open is the oldest active major in women’s golf and is administered by the USGA.
Weather Impact: In 2006, rainy conditions early in the week softened the course, but wind and firm greens returned for the weekend, increasing difficulty.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2006 U.S. Women's Open compares to other editions in terms of scoring, location, and key outcomes:

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Location	Winner’s Margin
2006	Annika Sörenstam	287 (+7)	Newport CC, RI	1 stroke
2005	Paula Creamer	279 (−9)	Winged Foot, NY	2 strokes
2004	Juli Inkster	278 (−10)	Orange County, CA	3 strokes
2003	Tiger Woods*	N/A	Not applicable	N/A
2002	Julie Inkster	276 (−8)	Berry Hills, MI	Playoff

The 2006 event stood out for its narrow winning margin and difficult course conditions. Unlike the lower-scoring 2004 and 2005 editions, the 2006 Open saw higher scores due to Newport’s tight layout and unpredictable weather. Sörenstam’s composure under pressure was key to her victory, especially given that she hadn’t won a major since 2002.

Why It Matters

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open was more than just another tournament—it was a milestone in Annika Sörenstam’s legendary career and a showcase for the growing competitiveness of women’s golf. Her victory reaffirmed her status as one of the sport’s greats during a transitional era in the LPGA.

Legacy of Sörenstam: Her third U.S. Women's Open title tied her with several legends and solidified her place among the all-time greats.
International Appeal: The strong showing by players like Gustafson and Se Ri Pak highlighted the global nature of the LPGA Tour.
Course Challenge: Newport’s historic design tested modern players, proving that classic courses remain relevant in elite competition.
Media Attention: The tournament received significant coverage, boosting visibility for women’s golf during a critical growth period.
Amateur Participation: Over 20 amateurs competed, emphasizing the USGA’s commitment to developing future talent.
Historic Return: The event marked the first women’s major at Newport in 111 years, bridging golf’s past and present.

The 2006 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in women’s golf history, remembered for Sörenstam’s resilience, the course’s challenge, and the tournament’s role in elevating the sport’s profile worldwide.