What Is 2009 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 64th edition of the tournament and the first time the championship returned to Inverness Club since 1989. Hosted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), it featured a field of 156 players competing over four grueling days on a challenging 6,782-yard, par-71 course.

Played under intense summer heat and firm conditions, the tournament tested players' endurance and precision. Ultimately, South Korea's Eun-Hee Ji emerged victorious, capturing her first major title in dramatic fashion with a closing 66, the lowest final round by a winner in nearly a decade.

• July 9–12, 2009: The tournament dates spanned four days at Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio, marking the first Women's Open there in 20 years.
• 156 players: The field included top professionals and amateurs, with 60 qualifiers advancing past the 36-hole cut at +10 (154).
• Eun-Hee Ji: The 23-year-old South Korean won her first LPGA Tour title and major championship with a final score of 279 (+3).
• One-stroke victory: Ji edged runner-up Candie Kung by a single stroke, becoming the fifth international winner in six years.
• $580,000 prize: The winner’s share was part of a record $3.5 million purse, reflecting the growing financial stature of women’s golf.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play championship with a cut after 36 holes. Administered by the USGA, it emphasizes course difficulty, fair play, and national representation through qualifying rounds.

• Qualifying:100+ players entered through local and sectional qualifying events, with 40 spots allocated to qualifiers in 2009.
• Course setup:Inverness Club was set at 6,782 yards with narrow fairways and thick rough, yielding only 12 sub-par rounds in the first two days.
• Final round 66:Eun-Hee Ji’s 66 was the best Sunday performance by a winner since Karrie Webb’s 65 in 2001.
• Amateur participation:18 amateurs competed, including Ariya Jutanugarn, who finished T14 at age 13.
• Weather impact: Temperatures reached 90°F, increasing dehydration risk and affecting ball roll on firm greens.
• Historic venue:Inverness Club previously hosted four U.S. Opens and one Women’s Open, last in 1989.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open compared to recent editions highlights shifts in scoring, international participation, and prize growth.

This table shows a steady increase in prize money and tighter margins of victory, reflecting the rising competitiveness of the event. The 2009 edition stood out for its low scoring under tough conditions and the emergence of international talent, with four of the top five finishers hailing from outside the U.S.

Why It Matters

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open had lasting significance for the sport, influencing perceptions of global talent and the evolution of women’s golf. Its outcome underscored the depth of international competition and the growing parity among elite players.

• Global dominance:Five of the top six finishers were from Asia, signaling a shift in the sport’s power base.
• Young talent:Ariya Jutanugarn, at 13, became the youngest player to make the cut, foreshadowing her future LPGA success.
• Media coverage: The event received record TV ratings in South Korea, boosting sponsorship interest.
• Course difficulty: The USGA’s setup was praised for balancing fairness and challenge, influencing future Open designs.
• Prize growth: The $3.5 million purse set a benchmark, encouraging other majors to increase payouts.
• Legacy of Ji: Her win inspired a generation of Korean golfers and highlighted resilience under pressure.

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open remains a pivotal moment in golf history, combining drama, skill, and global representation in a way that elevated the profile of women’s professional golf worldwide.