What Is 2012 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2012 United States Women's Open was the 67th edition of the prestigious championship, marking a pivotal moment in women's professional golf. Held at the Blackwolf Run course in Kohler, Wisconsin, the event attracted a field of 156 players competing across four grueling rounds.

Na Yeon Choi emerged victorious, claiming her first major title in dominant fashion. The win solidified her status as a top-tier player on the LPGA Tour and highlighted the global depth of talent in women's golf.

• July 5–8, 2012: The tournament spanned four days at Blackwolf Run’s River Course, known for its challenging layout and thick rough.
• Na Yeon Choi: The 23-year-old South Korean golfer won by three strokes, finishing at 285 (3-over-par), her best performance in a major to date.
• Amy Yang: Finished in second place with a score of 288, maintaining consistent play but unable to close the gap on the final day.
• Course conditions: Blackwolf Run played to 6,717 yards at par 72, with strong winds and firm greens increasing difficulty throughout the week.
• Prize money: The total purse was $3.9 million, with winner Na Yeon Choi receiving $585,000, the largest single payout in the tournament’s history at the time.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play championship, with a cut after 36 holes to the top 60 players and ties. It is organized by the USGA and emphasizes precision, endurance, and course management under pressure.

• 72-Hole Format: The tournament spans four rounds of 18 holes; total strokes determine the winner, with no match play involved.
• Cut Rule: After 36 holes, the field is reduced to the top 60 players and ties, ensuring only the best advance to the weekend.
• Amateur Eligibility: Over 20 amateurs competed in 2012, including standout college players vying for low-amateur honors.
• Qualifying Process: Players earn entry through sectional qualifying or exemptions based on performance in prior events and rankings.
• USGA Oversight: The United States Golf Association sets course setup, enforces rules, and manages scoring and pace of play throughout the event.
• Weather Impact: Persistent winds and scattered rain during the 2012 event led to higher scores, with only three players under par after 54 holes.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2012 U.S. Women's Open can be better understood through direct comparison with prior editions in terms of scoring, location, and prize structure.

The 2012 event stood out for its increased purse and challenging scoring conditions. While the winning score was higher than in previous years due to course setup and weather, the competitive depth remained strong, reflecting the growing professionalism of the LPGA Tour.

Why It Matters

The 2012 U.S. Women's Open had lasting significance for players, fans, and the evolution of women's golf. It showcased rising international talent and reinforced the USGA's commitment to competitive fairness and global representation.

• Global talent: Choi’s win highlighted the growing dominance of South Korean players, who have won 10 of the last 15 U.S. Women's Opens.
• Increased visibility: The event received expanded TV coverage on ESPN and NBC, reaching over 12 million viewers cumulatively.
• Prize growth: The $3.9 million purse reflected a 11.4% increase from 2011, signaling improved financial support for women athletes.
• Course design: Blackwolf Run’s setup emphasized accuracy over distance, rewarding strategic play and penalizing aggressive mistakes.
• Amateur development: The strong showing by amateurs like Lydia Ko, who missed the cut, indicated a deep pipeline of future stars.
• Legacy impact: Choi’s victory launched a successful major career, with a second major win at the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

The 2012 U.S. Women's Open remains a benchmark for competitive balance, international participation, and the rising stature of women's professional golf on the world stage.