What Is 2016 U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 2016 U.S. Women's Open was the 71st edition of one of the most prestigious events in women's golf, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held from July 7 to July 10, it marked the third time the tournament took place in California that decade.

Played at CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, the event attracted a global field of 156 professional and amateur golfers competing over four grueling rounds. The course, a par-71 layout measuring 6,510 yards, tested players with firm fairways, narrow greens, and challenging wind conditions.

• Chun In-gee claimed her first U.S. Women's Open title with a dominant performance, finishing at 272 (−8), the lowest score relative to par in tournament history.
• The CordeValle Golf Club hosted the U.S. Women's Open for the first time, becoming the first course in Northern California to do so since 1983.
• With a $4.5 million purse, the 2016 event had the largest prize fund in women’s golf at the time, reflecting the LPGA’s growing financial stature.
• Chun earned $810,000 for her victory, the largest single payout in U.S. Women's Open history up to that point.
• The tournament featured 156 players, including 60 qualifiers and 17 amateurs, with 65 advancing to play the weekend after the 36-hole cut.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under a strict format combining stroke play, qualifying rounds, and rigorous course setup to test the world’s best female golfers.

• Qualifying Process: Players must either earn exemptions based on past performance or advance through 36-hole local qualifying events held across the U.S. and internationally.
• Field Size: The USGA limits the field to 156 players, with spots allocated to past champions, top LPGA performers, and sectional qualifiers.
• Course Setup: The USGA designs the course to emphasize precision, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast, undulating greens to challenge even elite players.
• Scoring Format: The tournament uses 72 holes of stroke play; after 36 holes, the top 60 and ties advance to the final two rounds.
• Prize Distribution: The winner receives 18% of the total purse, with all players making the cut earning prize money based on their final standing.
• Amateur Status: Amateur players compete under the same rules but are not eligible for prize money, though they may receive medals or trophies if they finish highly.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 U.S. Women's Open compares to recent editions in key metrics:

The 2016 event stood out for its record-low scoring and increased financial investment. Chun In-gee’s −8 broke the previous scoring record, and the $4.5 million purse signaled a turning point in the tournament’s economic growth, surpassing earlier editions by half a million dollars.

Why It Matters

The 2016 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark moment for women’s professional golf, highlighting global talent and the sport’s expanding reach.

• Global Representation: The field included players from 28 countries, underscoring the internationalization of women’s golf and the LPGA’s global appeal.
• Chun In-gee’s Breakthrough: Her victory marked the first U.S. Women's Open win for a South Korean since 2013 and solidified her status as a dominant force.
• Increased Visibility: The event was broadcast in over 150 countries, reaching millions and boosting interest in women’s sports.
• Record Payouts: The $4.5 million purse set a benchmark, encouraging future investment in women’s golf tournaments.
• Course Challenges: CordeValle’s design emphasized skill over distance, rewarding strategic play and mental toughness under pressure.
• Legacy for Future Events: The success of the 2016 Open influenced future host site selections, with greater emphasis on player experience and fan accessibility.

Overall, the 2016 U.S. Women's Open not only crowned a champion but also advanced the narrative of gender equity and excellence in professional sports, setting new standards for competition and recognition.