What Is 21st U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 21st U.S. Women's Open, held in 1966, was a pivotal moment in women's golf history, marking the continued rise of competitive female athletes in a male-dominated sport. Hosted at the Churchill Valley Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the tournament drew top talent from across the United States and highlighted the growing prestige of the LPGA Tour.

This edition of the Open was notable for being won by an amateur, a rare feat in modern golf. The event spanned four days in July and featured challenging course conditions that tested even the most seasoned players. Despite the difficulty, the competition remained tight, with only a two-stroke margin separating the winner from the runners-up.

• Sue Berning, an amateur golfer, claimed victory with a total score of 302 (+14), becoming one of the few amateurs to win the U.S. Women's Open.
• The tournament was held at Churchill Valley Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a course known for its narrow fairways and thick rough.
• Berning defeated professional golfers Kathy Whitworth and Carol Mann, both of whom finished with a score of 304, by two strokes.
• This win marked Berning’s first U.S. Women’s Open title; she would go on to win two more in 1972 and 1973, solidifying her legacy.
• The 1966 event was the 21st edition of the U.S. Women's Open, which began in 1946 and is organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA).

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under a strict format designed to test the skill, endurance, and mental toughness of the world’s best female golfers. Players compete over four rounds of 18 holes, with only the top scorers advancing after the halfway cut.

• Format: The tournament is a 72-hole stroke play event with a 36-hole cut after the second round; only the top 60 players and ties continue. This ensures only the most consistent performers remain.
• Eligibility: The event is open to both amateur and professional female golfers who meet USGA handicap requirements or qualify through sectional tournaments held nationwide.
• Course Setup: The USGA sets up the course with high difficulty, often including narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens, with rough lengths exceeding 1.5 inches to challenge ball control.
• Prize Money: While the 1966 winner received only $2,500, modern purses exceed $10 million, reflecting the sport’s growth and increased sponsorship.
• Amateur Status: Sue Berning’s 1966 win was significant because she competed as an amateur, a rare achievement in an era increasingly dominated by professionals.
• Historical Significance: The U.S. Women’s Open is one of the five major championships in women’s golf, alongside the Chevron Championship and the Women’s PGA Championship.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1966 U.S. Women’s Open to modern editions reveals significant changes in structure, prize money, and player demographics.

The evolution of the U.S. Women’s Open reflects broader trends in sports, including increased professionalism, media coverage, and investment. While early tournaments like the 1966 event were modest in scale, today’s editions attract global attention and feature world-class athletes competing under intense scrutiny.

Why It Matters

The 21st U.S. Women’s Open was more than just a golf tournament—it symbolized the growing legitimacy of women’s sports during a transformative decade. Sue Berning’s victory as an amateur demonstrated that skill and determination could triumph over professional experience.

• Historic Achievement: Berning’s win was the first of three U.S. Women’s Open titles, making her one of only a few players to win the event multiple times.
• Gender Equality: Her success helped challenge stereotypes about women in sports, proving that female athletes could compete at the highest levels.
• Amateur Legacy: Winning as an amateur highlighted the depth of talent outside the professional ranks and inspired future generations of young golfers.
• Media Attention: The 1966 Open received growing press coverage, helping to elevate the profile of women’s golf in mainstream sports media.
• USGA Impact: The tournament reinforced the USGA’s role in promoting competitive equity and organizing high-standard national championships for women.
• Cultural Shift: Held during the 1960s, the event coincided with the women’s rights movement, contributing to broader conversations about gender and opportunity.

Today, the U.S. Women’s Open stands as a cornerstone of women’s golf, with roots tracing back to events like the 1966 championship. Its legacy continues to inspire excellence, inclusion, and resilience in the sport.