What Is 2009 US Women's Open

Overview

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open was the 64th edition of one of the most prestigious championships in women's golf, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at the Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the tournament attracted 156 of the world's top female golfers competing over four grueling days in July.

Played from July 9 to 12, the event unfolded under challenging weather and course conditions, with thick rough and firm greens testing even the most seasoned players. South Korea's Eun-Hee Ji emerged victorious with a final score of +1 (281), securing her first major title by a narrow margin of one stroke.

• Course setup: Saucon Valley's Old Course measured 6,777 yards and played to a par of 70, demanding precision and patience from all competitors throughout the tournament.
• Winner:Eun-Hee Ji claimed her breakthrough victory at age 23, finishing with a total of +1 (281) after a tense final round performance.
• Runner-up: American Paula Creamer finished in second place at even par, narrowly missing a birdie putt on the 18th hole that would have forced a playoff.
• Prize money: The tournament offered a total purse of $3.5 million, with $630,000 going to the champion, one of the largest first-place prizes in women’s golf at the time.
• Historical significance: This victory marked the first major title for Ji and highlighted the growing international dominance in women’s professional golf.

Final Round Drama and Key Moments

The final day of the 2009 U.S. Women's Open delivered high drama, with lead changes and clutch performances under pressure. Ji, relatively unknown on the global stage before this event, held her nerve despite playing in the final pairing.

• Final round 70: Ji shot a composed 1-under 70 in the final round, including a crucial birdie on the 14th hole that gave her breathing room late in the round.
• Creamer's near miss: Paula Creamer fired a final-round 69 but missed a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th green that would have tied the lead and triggered a playoff.
• Weather impact: Persistent rain earlier in the week softened the greens but also led to delays, affecting players’ rhythm and course strategy.
• Amateur standout:Lexi Thompson, then just 14 years old, made headlines by competing as the youngest player in the field, finishing at +22.
• Course difficulty: Only 12 players finished under par or within three strokes of it, underscoring the Old Course’s punishing setup by the USGA.
• Putt for the win: Ji two-putted from 40 feet on the 18th green to seal her victory, a moment celebrated by a relatively small but enthusiastic gallery.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2009 U.S. Women's Open compared to recent editions in terms of scoring, venue, and prize structure:

The 2009 edition stood out due to its higher winning score and slightly increased purse. The tougher scoring conditions at Saucon Valley reflected the USGA's tradition of challenging setups, making low scores rare and mental resilience critical. While prize money had steadily increased, the jump to $630,000 in 2009 marked a significant milestone for player compensation in women's golf.

Why It Matters

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open had lasting implications for the LPGA Tour and the visibility of women’s golf globally. Ji’s win underscored the depth of talent emerging from South Korea, continuing a trend that reshaped the tour’s competitive landscape.

• International growth: Ji’s victory highlighted the rising prominence of South Korean players, who would go on to dominate the LPGA in the following decade.
• USGA standards: The difficult course setup reinforced the U.S. Open’s reputation as the most demanding major in women’s golf.
• Player development: The tournament showcased young talent like Lexi Thompson, foreshadowing future stars entering the professional ranks at younger ages.
• Media attention: Though not as widely covered as men’s majors, the close finish boosted interest and TV ratings for women’s golf events.
• Prize equity: The $630,000 payout set a benchmark, pushing other tournaments to consider increasing their purses to attract top talent.
• Legacy of perseverance: Ji’s win, achieved without prior LPGA wins, became a symbol of determination and underdog success in professional sports.

The 2009 U.S. Women's Open remains a pivotal moment in golf history—not for record-breaking scores, but for its demonstration of resilience, competitive balance, and the global evolution of the sport.