What Is 2020 US Women's Open

Overview

The 2020 U.S. Women's Open was a landmark event in professional golf, notable for its unprecedented December timing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for June, the tournament was rescheduled and relocated to Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, marking a significant shift in the golf calendar.

As the 75th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, it featured a field of 156 players competing over four rounds on the Cypress Creek Course. The event was managed by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and carried a total purse of $5.5 million, with $1 million awarded to the winner.

• December 17–20, 2020: The tournament was played in mid-December, the latest in the calendar year for this event in history.
• Champions Golf Club: Hosted the event for the first time, featuring the Cypress Creek Course, known for its tree-lined fairways and small greens.
• A Lim Kim: South Korea’s A Lim Kim claimed her first major title with a final score of 277 (−11), finishing at 4-under in the final round.
• Historic comeback: Kim started the final round six strokes behind leader Amy Boulden and became only the fifth player in U.S. Women’s Open history to win from six or more shots back.
• Global field: The tournament included players from 32 countries, highlighting the international reach of women’s professional golf.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open is structured as a 72-hole stroke-play tournament with a cut after 36 holes. The field is reduced to the top 60 players and ties, ensuring only the most competitive golfers continue into the weekend rounds.

• Eligibility: Players must meet specific criteria, including past champions, top finishers in recent majors, and qualifiers through sectional events. Exemptions are granted based on world rankings and recent performance.
• Sectional Qualifying: Held across 26 sites in the U.S. and internationally, these 36-hole events determine 60% of the field. Over 1,000 players competed for 75 qualifying spots in 2020.
• Course Setup: The USGA designed the Cypress Creek Course to play 6,745 yards at par 72, with narrow fairways and thick rough to challenge accuracy.
• Prize Money: The $5.5 million purse was the largest in women’s golf at the time, with $1 million awarded to the champion—equal to the men’s U.S. Open winner’s share.
• Amateur Status: Amateurs who make the cut are allowed to accept expenses but cannot win prize money. In 2020, no amateur advanced past the cut.
• Weather Impact: Persistent rain delayed the third round, forcing players to complete their rounds on Sunday morning before the final round began.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2020 U.S. Women's Open differed significantly from previous editions due to scheduling and format adjustments. The table below highlights key comparisons across recent tournaments.

The 2020 event stands out not only for its December date but also for its increased prize purse and dramatic final-round turnaround. Unlike prior years, the tournament avoided a playoff, with Kim securing victory by two strokes over Inbee Park and Kim Sei-young.

Why It Matters

The 2020 U.S. Women's Open had lasting implications for the sport, both in terms of visibility and equity in prize distribution. Its success under challenging conditions underscored the resilience and growing professionalism of women’s golf.

• Historic timing: Being the first U.S. Women's Open held in December emphasized the sport’s adaptability during global disruptions like the pandemic.
• Equal pay milestone: The $1 million winner’s share matched the men’s U.S. Open, setting a precedent for gender equity in golf prize money.
• Global spotlight: A Lim Kim’s victory elevated South Korea’s dominance in women’s golf, with Korean players winning 10 of the last 15 women’s majors.
• Increased viewership: Despite the off-season timing, NBC’s coverage drew a 12% increase in average viewership compared to 2019, indicating rising interest.
• Course challenge: The Cypress Creek layout tested precision over power, rewarding strategic play and boosting the tournament’s credibility among experts.
• Inspiration for amateurs: Kim’s underdog story—ranked 191st in the world—motivated aspiring golfers worldwide to pursue professional careers.

The 2020 U.S. Women's Open will be remembered not just for its dramatic finish, but for advancing the standards of competition, equity, and global engagement in women’s sports. Its legacy continues to influence future tournament planning and player development.