What Is 2011 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2011 United States Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 66th edition of the tournament. Held at The Broadmoor East Course in Colorado Springs, Colorado, it showcased challenging conditions due to the high altitude and fast-changing weather.

This major championship attracted a global field of 156 players competing over four grueling days. The event was notable for its dramatic conclusion, with a three-way playoff ultimately deciding the champion.

• July 7–10, 2011: The tournament spanned four days, beginning with a Thursday start, which is standard for U.S. Open events.
• The Broadmoor East Course: Located at 6,500 feet above sea level, the altitude affected ball flight and club selection significantly.
• So Yeon Ryu: A 20-year-old South Korean golfer, Ryu claimed her first professional major title in dramatic fashion.
• Three-way playoff: Ryu defeated Hee Kyung Seo and Hee Young Park after all three finished regulation at 4-over-par 288.
• First-time winner: Ryu’s victory marked her first LPGA Tour win, making her the fifth rookie to win the U.S. Women's Open.

Key Tournament Moments

The 2011 U.S. Women's Open was defined by tight scoring, unexpected weather, and a historic playoff. Players faced gusty winds and thin air, which made precision crucial on the tree-lined, undulating course.

• Round 1 leader: Stacy Lewis shot 67 (−3), taking an early lead despite challenging afternoon winds.
• Altitude impact: Balls traveled up to 15% farther due to the 6,500-foot elevation, complicating distance control.
• Friday storms: Play was suspended for nearly 90 minutes due to lightning, disrupting several players’ rhythm.
• So Yeon Ryu’s final round: She shot a 1-over 71 on Sunday, including a crucial par save on the 18th to force a playoff.
• Playoff format: An 18-hole playoff was scheduled, but Ryu won after just two extra holes, sealing victory with a par on the second.
• Prize money: Ryu earned $585,000 from a total purse of $3.5 million, the largest in women’s golf at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2011 U.S. Women's Open compares to other editions in recent history:

The 2011 event stands out for its high-scoring conditions and dramatic finish. Compared to other years, the winning score of 4-over 288 reflects the difficulty of The Broadmoor layout under altitude conditions. Only the 2008 Open at Interlachen had a higher winning score, making 2011 one of the most challenging in recent memory.

Why It Matters

The 2011 U.S. Women's Open had lasting implications for the LPGA and women’s golf globally. It highlighted the depth of talent from South Korea and underscored the importance of mental toughness in major championships.

• Emergence of Korean talent: The top-three finishers were all South Korean, signaling a shift in the global golf landscape.
• Historic rookie win: So Yeon Ryu became the fifth first-time winner of the U.S. Women's Open, joining elite company.
• Altitude awareness: The tournament raised awareness about how elevation affects professional golf strategy and preparation.
• Increased viewership: The dramatic playoff boosted TV ratings by 12% compared to the previous year’s final round.
• LPGA recognition: The event helped boost LPGA Tour visibility during a period of rebuilding and expansion.
• Legacy of The Broadmoor: The course earned praise for its setup, later hosting the 2018 U.S. Senior Open as well.

The 2011 U.S. Women's Open remains a defining moment in women’s golf history, remembered for its competitive depth, challenging conditions, and the rise of a new champion on the world stage.