What Is 2013 US Women's Open

Overview

The 2013 U.S. Women's Open was the 68th edition of the tournament, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, New York, it marked the first time the course hosted the prestigious event, drawing top players from around the world.

South Korea's Inbee Park emerged victorious, securing her second consecutive U.S. Women's Open title after winning in 2012. Her consistent performance across four rounds, finishing at 1-under-par 283, showcased her dominance in women's golf during that era.

• July 8–14, 2013: The tournament spanned seven days, including a practice day and four competitive rounds, with play affected by weather delays on the final day.
• Inbee Park: The South Korean golfer claimed her third career major title and second straight U.S. Women's Open win, cementing her status as a leading figure in women's golf.
• Sebonack Golf Club: A Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak co-design, this 18-hole course presented a challenging layout with narrow fairways and thick rough, testing even the most skilled players.
• Final Score: Park finished at 1-under 283, the only player under par for the tournament, highlighting the difficulty of the course setup under USGA standards.
• Runner-Up: I.K. Kim of South Korea finished second at 1-over 285, narrowly missing a playoff after bogeying the 17th hole in the final round.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under a strict format combining stroke play, qualifying rounds, and rigorous course conditions set by the USGA to test precision and endurance.

• 156-Player Field: The tournament features a large field, with players qualifying through sectional events or exemptions based on rankings and past performance.
• 36-Hole Cut: After two rounds, the top 60 players and ties advance, ensuring only the most consistent performers continue into the weekend.
• Weather Delays: In 2013, heavy rain delayed the final round, forcing players to complete their rounds on Monday, a rare occurrence in modern tournaments.
• Course Setup: Sebonack played to 6,707 yards at par 71, with narrow fairways and fast greens designed to emphasize accuracy over distance.
• Prize Money: The total purse was $3.5 million, with $585,000 awarded to the winner—Inbee Park—reflecting the growing financial stature of women's golf.
• Amateur Participation: Twelve amateurs competed, including standout collegiate player Cydney Clanton, who missed the cut after rounds of 76 and 78.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 U.S. Women's Open compares to prior editions in key metrics:

The 2013 event saw a slight increase in prize money and a lower winning score compared to previous years, indicating improved scoring conditions or player performance. However, the difficulty of Sebonack still resulted in only one player finishing under par, underscoring the USGA's commitment to challenging setups.

Why It Matters

The 2013 U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in women's professional golf, highlighting both individual excellence and the sport's evolving landscape. Inbee Park's back-to-back victories established her as a dominant force, while the event's location and format drew significant media attention.

• Historic Achievement: Park became the first player since Karrie Webb in 2001 to win consecutive U.S. Women's Opens, elevating her legacy in the sport.
• Global Representation: With top finishers from South Korea, the U.S., and other countries, the tournament emphasized the international depth of women's golf.
• Course Challenge: Sebonack's debut showcased how modern course design can test even elite players, influencing future USGA event planning.
• Media Coverage: The final-round delay and dramatic finish boosted TV viewership, helping grow the LPGA's audience base.
• Prize Growth: The $585,000 payout reflected increasing investment in women's sports, setting a precedent for future tournaments.
• Amateur Exposure: Young players gained valuable experience competing against professionals, encouraging development pathways in women's golf.

The 2013 U.S. Women's Open not only delivered thrilling competition but also served as a milestone in the advancement of women's golf, both competitively and commercially.