What Is 2008 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 2008 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 63rd edition of the tournament. Hosted at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota, it showcased some of the world’s top female golfers competing under challenging conditions.

This major championship drew widespread attention due to its competitive field and historic venue. Interlachen, a Donald Ross-designed course, underwent significant renovations to meet USGA standards, lengthening the layout and enhancing the greens to increase difficulty.

• July 10–13, 2008 were the official dates of the tournament, held during a hot Midwestern summer that tested player endurance.
• Inbee Park, a 19-year-old South Korean golfer, claimed her first major title, becoming the youngest U.S. Women's Open champion since 1998.
• Park finished with a four-round total of 283 (+3), edging out England’s Helen Reeves by a single stroke.
• The purse was a record-setting $3.1 million, with the winner earning $560,000—the largest prize in women’s golf history at the time.
• Interlachen Country Club, originally built in 1928, was restored to reflect its classic design while meeting modern tournament standards.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates as a 72-hole stroke play championship with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. Administered by the USGA, it emphasizes precision, endurance, and course management under strict conditions.

• Format: The tournament spans four rounds of 18 holes each, played consecutively from Thursday to Sunday, with no match play component.
• Eligibility: Open to both amateur and professional female golfers who qualify through sectional events or meet exemption criteria based on rankings or past performance.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets the course to play long and firm, with narrow fairways and fast, undulating greens to test all aspects of a player’s game.
• Scoring: The player with the lowest cumulative score after 72 holes wins; ties after regulation lead to a two-hole aggregate playoff.
• Historic Significance: First held in 1946, it is one of the five major championships in women’s golf and carries the most prestige in American women’s golf.
• Weather Impact: In 2008, high temperatures and strong winds throughout the weekend increased scoring difficulty, contributing to the winning total being above par.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2008 U.S. Women's Open to other editions highlights its unique characteristics in terms of competition, course, and prize structure.

The 2008 event stood out due to its challenging scoring conditions and the emergence of a young international star. While prize money remained consistent with the prior year, the course setup at Interlachen led to higher scores than in more forgiving years. The tournament also marked a shift in dominance toward younger, globally diverse players in women’s golf.

Why It Matters

The 2008 U.S. Women's Open had lasting significance in the evolution of women’s professional golf, both in terms of player development and global interest.

• Inbee Park’s victory signaled the rise of young international talent, particularly from South Korea, in the LPGA Tour’s upper echelon.
• The tournament’s record purse of $3.1 million reflected growing investment in women’s sports and increased media visibility.
• Hosting at Interlachen, a course not previously used for the event, demonstrated the USGA’s commitment to rotating prestigious venues.
• The challenging conditions highlighted the importance of mental toughness and strategic play under pressure.
• Television coverage reached over 2.1 million viewers on average, boosting sponsorship interest in women’s golf.
• Park’s win inspired a generation of young golfers in Asia and helped expand the LPGA’s global footprint.

The 2008 U.S. Women's Open remains a pivotal moment in golf history, combining tradition, competitive intensity, and the emergence of future legends.