Location Spokane, Washington Format Match play | Course(s) Spokane Country Club Par 74 | |
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Dates August 26 – September 1 Organized by WPGA and Spokane
Athletic Round Table | ||
The 1946 U.S. Women's Open Golf Championship was contested from August 26 to September 1 at Spokane Country Club, north of Spokane, Washington. It was the first edition of the U.S. Women's Open, and only one to have been played in match play competition. The field of 39 women was reduced to the 32-player match play field by a 36-hole qualifier on Monday and Tuesday. Six professionals and 26 amateurs advanced to match play. The format was 18-hole matches through the quarterfinals, and 36 holes for the semifinals and finals.
Professionals Patty Berg and Betty Jameson reached the Sunday final. Jameson led by three after seven holes, but Berg evened the match and they finished the first 18 holes all square. After lunch, Berg needed only fourteen holes in the afternoon to close out the match at 5 and 4. Berg won $5,600 and Jameson $3,100, all in war bonds. This win was later recognized as Berg's sixth major championship. The winner's share at the U.S. Women's Open was substantially less in succeeding years and was not exceeded until 1972, 26 years later.
Jameson won the title the following year as a 72-hole stroke play event.