What Is 2016 US Women's Open

Overview

The 2016 U.S. Women's Open was the 71st edition of the prestigious championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Held at CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, California, it marked the first time the course hosted the event, drawing top players from around the world.

South Korea-born Norwegian golfer Inbee Park emerged victorious, securing her fourth U.S. Women's Open title and seventh major championship overall. Her steady play over four rounds culminated in a 1-under-par total of 283, one stroke ahead of runner-up Ko Jin-young.

• July 7–10, 2016: The tournament spanned four days, with all rounds completed despite minor weather delays, showcasing consistent scheduling by the USGA.
• CordeValle Golf Club: Located in San Martin, California, this was the first time the course hosted the U.S. Women's Open, expanding the championship's geographic reach.
• Inbee Park: Representing South Korea but now a Norwegian citizen, Park shot rounds of 70-71-70-72 to claim victory with composure under pressure.
• 1-under 283: Park’s total score was the lowest winning total relative to par in recent Open history, highlighting her precision on a challenging course.
• $4.5 million purse: The prize pool set a new benchmark, with winner’s share of $810,000 reflecting growing investment in women’s professional golf.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 players and ties. Conducted under USGA rules, it emphasizes fairness, difficulty, and course management.

• 72-Hole Stroke Play: Players complete four rounds of 18 holes each, with the lowest cumulative score determining the champion after 72 holes.
• 36-Hole Cut: After two rounds, only the top 60 players and ties advance, ensuring only the most consistent golfers compete on the weekend.
• Amateur Eligibility: The tournament invites top amateurs, with 10 amateurs competing in 2016, including eventual low amateur A Lim Kim.
• Qualifying Process: Over 1,800 players entered local and sectional qualifying, with only 100 earning spots in the final field through rigorous competition.
• Course Setup: CordeValle played at 6,717 yards and par 71, with narrow fairways and thick rough designed to test accuracy and mental resilience.
• Weather Impact: Light rain on Friday caused minor delays, but all rounds were completed on schedule thanks to efficient course management by USGA staff.

Comparison at a Glance

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

The 2016 event stood out for its increased purse, improved scoring conditions, and the return of Inbee Park as champion. While CordeValle played slightly easier than previous venues, the tight fairways and deep rough still challenged even the best players, making Park’s performance all the more impressive.

Why It Matters

The 2016 U.S. Women's Open was a milestone for gender equity and competitive excellence in women’s golf. It demonstrated growing support for female athletes through increased prize money and global viewership.

• Record purse: The $4.5 million prize pool signaled rising investment in women’s sports and helped close the gap with men’s tournaments.
• Global representation: Players from 38 countries competed, highlighting the internationalization of women’s professional golf.
• Inbee Park’s legacy: Her fourth title tied her with legends like Mickey Wright, cementing her status as one of the sport’s greats.
• Media coverage: The event drew record 2.8 million viewers on final day, boosting visibility for the LPGA Tour.
• Youth inspiration: Young golfers worldwide watched Park’s composure, encouraging participation in junior development programs.
• Course design influence: CordeValle’s success led to more USGA consideration of West Coast courses for future majors.

Ultimately, the 2016 U.S. Women's Open wasn't just a tournament—it was a statement about the growth, resilience, and future of women’s golf on the world stage.