What Is 2009 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2009 United States Women's Open was the 64th edition of the prestigious championship, marking a significant moment in women's professional golf. Held at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, it was the first time the venue hosted the women's event, though it had previously hosted multiple men's U.S. Opens.

South Korean golfer Eun-Hee Ji claimed her first major title in dramatic fashion, overcoming a crowded leaderboard in challenging conditions. The tournament drew top players from around the world, competing over 72 holes of stroke play on a demanding course setup.

• Final Champion: Eun-Hee Ji won her first major title, finishing at +1 (281) over four rounds.
• Dates: The event was played from July 9 to July 12, 2009, during the summer peak of the golf season.
• Location: The Old Course at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts hosted the tournament.
• Winning Margin: Ji won by one stroke over runner-up Candie Kung, making the final holes highly competitive.
• Purse: The total prize fund was $3.5 million, with $560,000 awarded to the winner.

Player Performance Breakdown

Several top contenders pushed Ji to the limit, but her consistent play under pressure proved decisive. The leaderboard featured a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, all navigating difficult course conditions.

• Round 1 Leader: Maria Hjorth shot 68 (−3), taking an early lead with precise iron play and putting.
• Round 2 Leader: Ji surged ahead with a second-round 67, moving to −6 before weekend scoring rose.
• Final Round Comeback: Ji started the final round two shots behind, but a birdie on the 17th secured her lead.
• Top Contenders: Candie Kung finished second at +2, while Michelle Wie and Karrie Webb tied for third.
• Course Conditions: Thick rough and firm greens led to a high scoring average of 74.3 for the field.
• Historic Context: This was only the third time a South Korean player won the U.S. Women's Open at that point.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2009 U.S. Women's Open compares to previous editions in key metrics:

The 2009 edition stood out due to its higher winning score, reflecting the difficulty of The Country Club’s layout. While previous years saw lower scores on more forgiving courses, Brookline’s thick rough and undulating greens tested ball-striking precision. The increased purse also highlighted the growing investment in women’s golf, with prize money rising steadily since 2005.

Why It Matters

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal event for the LPGA and women’s golf globally, showcasing rising international talent and competitive depth. It also underscored the importance of course setup in major championships and helped elevate the profile of women’s golf in traditional U.S. golf markets.

• International Growth: Eun-Hee Ji’s win highlighted the dominance of South Korean players in women’s golf.
• Course Legacy: Hosting at The Country Club bridged the gap between men's and women's major championships at historic venues.
• Player Development: The tournament helped launch Ji’s career, who went on to win multiple LPGA titles.
• Media Attention: The close finish and dramatic final hole boosted TV viewership by 18% over the previous year.
• Prize Equity: The $3.5 million purse signaled progress toward greater financial parity in women’s sports.
• Inspiration: Young female golfers, especially in Asia, saw Ji’s win as proof of global opportunity.

Ultimately, the 2009 U.S. Women's Open was more than just a tournament—it was a milestone in the evolution of women’s professional golf, combining tradition, competition, and emerging talent on a historic stage.