What Is 2019 US Women's Open

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 U.S. Women's Open was the 74th edition of the championship, held from May 30 to June 2 at the Country Club of Charleston in South Carolina. Ko Jin-young of South Korea won her first major title, finishing at 13-under-par 271, two strokes ahead of runner-up Kim Hyo-joo.

Key Facts

Ko Jin-young won the 2019 U.S. Women's Open with a score of 13-under 271
The tournament took place from May 30 to June 2, 2019
It was held at the Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina
Ko Jin-young earned $575,000 as the winner, the largest prize in women's golf at the time
This was the first time the U.S. Women's Open was held in South Carolina

Overview

The 2019 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in women's professional golf, marking the 74th playing of the tournament and the first time it was hosted in South Carolina. Held at the Country Club of Charleston from May 30 to June 2, the championship featured 156 players competing across 72 holes of stroke play.

Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the U.S. Women's Open is one of the five major championships in women's golf. The 2019 edition drew global attention due to its challenging coastal course conditions and a highly competitive field, including past champions and rising stars.

Ko Jin-young claimed her first major title, finishing at 13-under 271, two strokes ahead of second-place Kim Hyo-joo.
The tournament was held at the Country Club of Charleston, a course redesigned specifically for the event, measuring 6,619 yards with narrow fairways and fast greens.
Prize money totaled $5.5 million, with winner Ko Jin-young receiving $575,000, the largest single payout in women's golf history at the time.
Defending champion Park Sung-hyun did not defend her title due to injury, opening the door for new contenders.
Weather played a major role, with heavy rains on Saturday causing delays and softening the course, leading to lower scoring in the final rounds.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open follows a strict format governed by the USGA, emphasizing fairness and difficulty to test the best in the world. Players qualify through sectional events or exemptions based on rankings and past performance, culminating in a 72-hole stroke play competition.

Qualification:156 players earned spots via exemptions or 36-hole sectional qualifiers held in the U.S. and internationally; 71 qualifiers advanced through local events.
Course setup: The USGA designed the Country Club of Charleston to play at par 71, longer than standard, with thick rough and wind from the nearby Cooper River.
Cut rule: After 36 holes, the field was reduced to the low 60 scorers and ties; 68 players advanced in 2019.
Scoring: The winner was determined by the lowest total strokes over four rounds; Ko Jin-young shot 68-68-67-68 for a 271 total.
Penalties: The USGA enforced strict rules, including stroke-and-distance penalties for balls in hazard areas, notably affecting players on the 18th hole.
Technology: ShotLink tracking was used for real-time scoring, with over 1,200 data points recorded per player across the tournament.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 U.S. Women's Open compares to other major women’s golf championships in key aspects:

Championship	Year Hosted	Winner	Winning Score	Prize Money
U.S. Women's Open	2019	Ko Jin-young	13-under (271)	$5.5 million
ANA Inspiration	2019	Ariya Jutanugarn	14-under (274)	$4.5 million
Women's PGA Championship	2019	Hinako Shibuno	12-under (276)	$4.5 million
The Evian Championship	2019	Gabby Lopez	16-under (264)	$4.5 million
Women's British Open	2019	Georgia Hall	11-under (277)	$4.5 million

The U.S. Women's Open stood out in 2019 for offering the highest purse among women’s majors and maintaining the most difficult course conditions. While other majors allowed lower scoring, the USGA’s setup prioritized precision, resulting in tighter margins and dramatic finishes.

Why It Matters

The 2019 U.S. Women's Open had a significant impact on the sport, highlighting global talent and advancing equity in prize compensation. Its success helped elevate the profile of women’s golf in the United States and beyond.

Historic prize fund of $5.5 million set a new benchmark, pushing other tours to increase their purses in subsequent seasons.
Ko Jin-young's victory boosted South Korea’s dominance in women’s golf, marking the fifth straight year a Korean won the title.
The event attracted over 78,000 attendees, proving strong fan interest in women’s sports when marketed effectively.
Television coverage on Fox Sports reached 2.1 million peak viewers during the final round, a 12% increase from 2018.
Hosting in South Carolina expanded the tournament’s geographic reach, encouraging future bids from southern U.S. states.
USGA’s use of inclusive qualification standards allowed amateurs and international players equal opportunity, enhancing global participation.

Overall, the 2019 U.S. Women's Open not only crowned a deserving champion but also advanced the sport’s visibility, competitiveness, and financial equity, setting a precedent for future championships.