The 1961 U.S. Women's Open was the 16th U.S. Women's Open, held June 29 to July 1 at the Lower Course of Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey.
Mickey Wright, age 26, won the third of her four U.S. Women's Open titles, six strokes ahead of runner-up Betsy Rawls, a four-time winner and the defending champion. It was Wright's third win at the U.S. Women's Open in four years, and the sixth of her thirteen major titles.
After opening with a par 72 on Thursday to co-lead, Wright shot an 80 (+8) in the second round on Friday and dropped four shots back after 36 holes. A three-under 69 on Saturday morning regained the lead after 54 holes, two strokes ahead of Rawls.
The Lower Course has hosted the U.S. Open four times (two won by Jack Nicklaus) and a PGA Championship, won by Phil Mickelson. The U.S. Women's Open returned to Baltusrol in 1985, but was played on the Upper Course.
Final leaderboard Saturday, July 1, 1961 Place Player Score To par Money ($)1 Mickey Wright72-80-69-72=293+51,8002 Betsy Rawls74-76-73-76=299+111,200 3 Ruth Jessen75-73-77-75=300+12800 4 Louise Suggs78-74-76-73=301+13650 5 Marilynn Smith77-74-77-75=303+15500 6 Jo Ann Prentice72-76-80-76=304+16400 T7 Barbara Romack77-77-78-74=306+18350 Marlene Streit (a)74-77-77-78=3060 T9 Carolyn Cudone (a)77-76-75-80=308+200 Shirley Englehorn80-73-78-77=308313 Mary Lena Faulk78-77-80-73=308 Source:
References
External links USGA final leaderboard U.S. Women's Open Golf Championship U.S. Women's Open – past champions – 1961 Baltusrol Golf Club