What Is 2018 U.S. Senior Women's Open

Overview

The 2018 U.S. Senior Women's Open marked a historic milestone in women’s golf, launching as the first edition of a new USGA championship specifically for female golfers aged 50 and older. Hosted at the prestigious Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois, the event filled a long-standing gap in competitive senior golf for women.

With a field of 120 players, the tournament attracted legends of the LPGA and international stars, many of whom had never had a dedicated senior major championship. The four-day event, played from July 12–15, 2018, featured 72 holes of stroke play and culminated in a dramatic victory by English golfer Laura Davies.

• First-time event: The 2018 U.S. Senior Women's Open was the inaugural edition, establishing a new USGA national championship for senior women.
• Historic venue: Chicago Golf Club, founded in 1893, was the first golf club in the United States and hosted the tournament on its classic Donald Ross-designed course.
• Champion: Laura Davies won with a 72-hole total of 281 (7 under par), becoming the first-ever champion of the event.
• Eligibility: The tournament was open to female professionals and amateurs aged 50 and older, mirroring the age requirement of the men’s U.S. Senior Open.
• Field size: A total of 120 players qualified, including LPGA Hall of Famers and past major champions such as Juli Inkster and Helen Alfredsson.

How It Works

The U.S. Senior Women's Open follows a structured format designed by the USGA to ensure competitive fairness and accessibility for senior athletes. Qualification is based on a mix of exemptions and open qualifying, with a focus on career achievement and age eligibility.

• Eligibility Age: Players must be at least 50 years old by the start of the tournament, aligning with the standard for senior golf events. This age limit ensures the competition remains within a defined veteran demographic.
• Qualifying Process: While some players receive exemptions based on past performance, others must go through 36-hole sectional qualifiers held across the U.S. in May and June.
• Tournament Format: The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play over four days, with a 36-hole cut reducing the field after the second round to the low 50 scorers and ties.
• Championship Venue: The USGA rotates the event across historic and challenging courses; in 2018, Chicago Golf Club hosted, playing at approximately 6,200 yards for the event.
• Prize Fund: The total purse was $500,000, with winner Laura Davies receiving $105,000, reflecting the USGA’s commitment to equitable compensation.
• USGA Oversight: The USGA administers all aspects of the event, including course setup, rules enforcement, and scoring, maintaining the same standards as the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 U.S. Senior Women's Open compares to other major senior golf championships:

While the 2018 U.S. Senior Women's Open had a smaller purse compared to its male and open counterparts, its creation was a landmark step toward gender equity in senior golf. The event provided a platform for veteran female golfers to compete at the highest level, something long available to men through the U.S. Senior Open and Senior PGA Championship.

Why It Matters

The 2018 U.S. Senior Women's Open was more than just a golf tournament—it was a symbolic and practical advancement for gender equality in sports. By creating a dedicated senior major, the USGA acknowledged the legacy and ongoing competitiveness of female golfers beyond their prime years.

• Historic inclusion: The event marked the first time the USGA established a senior national championship exclusively for women, correcting a decades-long omission.
• Role models: Players like Laura Davies and Juli Inkster serve as inspirations for younger generations, showing that competitive golf can extend well into later life.
• Media visibility: The tournament received national television coverage, increasing awareness of senior women athletes in a sports landscape often focused on youth.
• Legacy recognition: The Open honors careers that shaped women’s golf, giving legends a stage to continue competing at a high level.
• Future growth: The success of the 2018 event led to an expanded schedule and increased prize money in subsequent years, signaling long-term commitment.
• Global impact: The tournament has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, encouraging other countries to develop senior women’s golf circuits.

With its blend of tradition, competition, and progress, the 2018 U.S. Senior Women's Open set a new standard for inclusivity in golf, proving that age and experience deserve their moment in the spotlight.