What Is 2016 United States Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 United States Women's Open was the 71st edition of the tournament, held from July 7–10 at CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, California. South Korean golfer Inbee Park won her second U.S. Women's Open title, finishing at 1-under par.

Key Facts

The 2016 U.S. Women's Open took place from July 7–10, 2016, at CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, California.
Inbee Park won the tournament with a final score of 1-under par 283, securing her second U.S. Women's Open title.
Park earned $800,000 from the record-breaking $4.5 million total purse, the largest in women's golf history at the time.
The course measured 6,717 yards with a par of 71, marking the first time CordeValle hosted the event.
Park overcame a six-stroke deficit in the final round, becoming only the third player in history to win multiple U.S. Women's Opens after age 25.

Overview

The 2016 United States Women's Open was the 71st edition of one of the five major championships in women's professional golf. Held from July 7 to July 10, it marked the first time the tournament took place at CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, California, a course designed by Greg Norman and Tom Fazio.

This edition was notable for its elevated prize money and dramatic final-round comeback. South Korean golfer Inbee Park claimed victory, overcoming a six-stroke deficit to win her second U.S. Women's Open title and seventh major overall, solidifying her status as one of the game's modern legends.

Inbee Park won with a total score of 1-under par 283, becoming the first international player to win the U.S. Women's Open twice since 1991.
The tournament featured a record total purse of $4.5 million, with the winner earning $800,000, the largest single payout in women's golf history at the time.
CordeValle Golf Club, a 6,717-yard course with a par of 71, hosted the event for the first time, presenting challenging conditions due to firm fairways and fast greens.
Park entered the final round trailing by six strokes but shot a 3-under 68 on Sunday to overtake leader Sung Hyun Park, who finished second at even par.
This victory marked Park's first major win since 2013, ending a three-year drought and showcasing her resilience after battling injuries and inconsistent form.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is a 72-hole stroke-play tournament administered by the United States Golf Association (USGA), featuring a field of 156 players competing over four days. Players must qualify through sectional or exemption criteria, and the course setup emphasizes precision and mental toughness.

Format: The tournament follows a 72-hole stroke-play format over four days, with a cut after 36 holes to the top 60 players and ties.
Qualification: Players earn entry through exemptions or by advancing in 36-hole sectional qualifiers held across the U.S. and internationally.
Course Setup: The USGA designed CordeValle with narrow fairways and thick rough, averaging 6,717 yards and a par of 71 for this event.
Scoring: In 2016, the winning score was 1-under 283, reflecting the challenging conditions; only four players finished under par.
Prize Money: The total purse of $4.5 million represented a 50% increase from 2015, signaling growing investment in women's golf.
Historic Context: This was the 71st edition of the tournament, first held in 1946, and part of the LPGA Tour's five major championships.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2016 U.S. Women's Open to prior editions highlights growth in prize money, international participation, and competitive depth.

Year	Location	Winner	Winning Score	Prize Money (Winner)
2016	San Martin, CA	Inbee Park	1-under 283	$800,000
2015	Spokane, WA	Lyneette Lim	Even 280	$540,000
2014	Sebonack, NY	Paula Creamer	2-over 286	$585,000
2013	Locust Hill, NY	Inbee Park	2-over 286	$500,000
2012	Blackwolf Run, WI	Na Yeon Choi	1-over 285	$585,000

The table illustrates a clear upward trend in prize money, with the 2016 winner's share increasing by 48% from 2015. Additionally, international dominance continued, with South Korean players winning four of the past five titles. The 2016 event also saw improved scoring conditions compared to 2013 and 2012, despite a lower winning score, due to more favorable weather and course setup adjustments.

Why It Matters

The 2016 U.S. Women's Open had a lasting impact on the visibility and financial standing of women's professional golf. Its record purse set a new benchmark, encouraging sponsor investment and media coverage for future events.

The $4.5 million purse elevated the tournament's status, making it the richest event in women's golf at the time and increasing competitive depth.
Inbee Park's comeback victory inspired global audiences, particularly in South Korea, where she is considered a national sports icon.
The USGA's course setup at CordeValle emphasized fairness and challenge, reinforcing its reputation for rigorous major championship standards.
Increased TV coverage on Fox Sports helped boost viewership, with final-round ratings up 12% compared to 2015.
The event demonstrated the growing parity in women's golf, with 12 players within five strokes of the lead entering the final round.
CordeValle's successful hosting paved the way for more diverse course selections in future U.S. Women's Open rotations.

Overall, the 2016 U.S. Women's Open represented a turning point in the sport's evolution, combining historic performances with institutional growth, setting the stage for future advancements in equity and exposure.