What Is 2015 United States Women's Open

Overview

The 2015 United States Women's Open was the 70th edition of the tournament, one of the five major championships in women's professional golf. Held at the historic Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, it featured a competitive field of 156 players from around the world vying for the title and a share of the $4 million purse, with $720,000 awarded to the winner.

This year's event was notable for its tight leaderboard and challenging course conditions, which tested even the most experienced players. Inbee Park, a dominant force in women's golf, claimed victory with a final score of +1 (281), edging out South Korea's Ko Jin-young by a single stroke.

• Inbee Park secured her seventh major title, reinforcing her status as one of the top players in LPGA history.
• The tournament was played from July 9–12, 2015, during the summer peak of the golf season in the northeastern United States.
• Lancaster Country Club, a classic Donald Ross-designed course, played to a length of 6,517 yards and a par of 70 for the event.
• The purse totaled $4 million, with the winner earning $720,000—the largest first-place prize in women's golf at the time.
• Only 59 players made the 36-hole cut, highlighting the difficulty of the course setup and weather conditions.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke play event, with the lowest total score winning. It is administered by the United States Golf Association (USGA), which sets course conditions, enforces rules, and selects qualifying players.

• Qualifying Process: Players gain entry through sectional qualifying or exemptions based on performance, world ranking, or past major wins. Over 1,400 players entered qualifying for the 2015 event.
• Course Setup: The USGA designed Lancaster’s layout to emphasize accuracy, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and firm greens, averaging 11.5 on the Stimpmeter.
• Scoring Format: The tournament uses standard stroke play—each stroke counts, and ties after 72 holes are broken by a playoff. In 2015, no playoff was needed as Park won outright.
• Player Field: The field included 156 players, with entries from 27 countries, reflecting the global reach of women's golf.
• Weather Impact: Rain delays affected the second round, compressing play and increasing physical strain on competitors during hot, humid conditions.
• Historic Context: This was the first time the U.S. Women's Open was held in Pennsylvania since 1979, making it a significant return to the state.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 U.S. Women's Open compares to recent editions in terms of key metrics:

The table shows a clear upward trend in prize money and competitive scoring, with the 2015 event marking a pivotal increase in financial investment. The consistency in winning scores around +1 reflects the USGA's continued emphasis on course difficulty.

Why It Matters

The 2015 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark moment for women's golf, highlighting growing recognition and investment in the sport. It underscored the importance of major championships in shaping legacies and advancing gender equity in professional athletics.

• Inbee Park's victory solidified her as a dominant figure, joining an elite group with seven or more major titles.
• The increased purse to $4 million signaled growing financial support and commercial interest in women's golf.
• Live broadcast coverage on ESPN reached over 2.1 million viewers, boosting visibility for female athletes.
• The tournament's return to Pennsylvania after 36 years revitalized regional interest in women's golf.
• Strong international participation emphasized the global competitiveness of the LPGA Tour.
• Course conditions set a benchmark for future USGA events, balancing fairness with championship rigor.

The 2015 U.S. Women's Open not only crowned a champion but also advanced the sport’s profile, setting the stage for continued growth and recognition in the years that followed.