In 1946, the golf world witnessed the birth of a new major championship for women, the U.S. Women's Open. At its inaugural event, held at the Spokane Country Club in Washington, it was the legendary Patty Berg who etched her name into history as the first champion. Her victory was not just a personal achievement but a landmark moment for women's professional golf, setting a high standard for the championship that would follow. The tournament, uniquely
played in a match play format, showcased Berg's skill, resilience, and competitive spirit against a strong field of competitors.
The Path to Victory: Navigating Match Play
The 1946 U.S. Women's Open was distinct from all future editions because it was contested entirely in match play. A field of 39 women initially gathered, which was then reduced to a 32-player match play bracket after a 36-hole qualifier held on Monday and Tuesday. This qualifying process ensured that only the top performers, including six professionals and 26 amateurs, advanced to the main competition. Patty Berg, as a professional, successfully navigated this initial hurdle, demonstrating her readiness for the challenges ahead.
The match play format itself presented a series of head-to-head contests. Through the quarterfinals, matches were played over 18 holes. However, for the critical semifinal and final rounds, the format extended to 36 holes, demanding greater endurance and consistent performance from the players. Berg's ability to progress through these rounds, adapting to the varying lengths and pressures of each match, underscored her championship caliber. Her journey culminated in a highly anticipated final against fellow professional Betty Jameson.
The Championship Match: A Display of Resilience
The final match between Patty Berg and Betty Jameson was a compelling contest that unfolded over 36 holes on a Sunday. Jameson started strong, taking a three-hole lead after the first seven holes. This early advantage put pressure on Berg, but she responded with remarkable resilience. Berg steadily clawed her way back into the match, eventually evening the score by the end of the first 18 holes. This comeback demonstrated her mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure, preventing Jameson from building an insurmountable lead.
After a lunch break, the players returned for the afternoon session, where Berg continued her dominant play. She needed only fourteen holes in the afternoon to secure her victory, closing out the match with a score of 5 & 4. This meant Patty Berg was five holes ahead of Betty Jameson with only four holes left to play, making her the undisputed champion. Her decisive win cemented her place in golf history as the first U.S. Women's Open winner. The victory was later recognized as Berg's sixth major championship, further solidifying her legacy in the sport. She received $5,600 in war bonds for her triumph, a winner's share that would not be surpassed in the U.S. Women's Open for 26 years, until 1972.
