History
Almost as soon the Women's Professional Golfers' Association was established in 1946, it created the U. S. Women's Open as the premier tournament on the women's tour.
The Ladies Professional Golfers Association succeeded the WPGA in 1949 and conducted the tournament through 1952, after which the U. S. Golf Association took it over.
The Open was a match-play tournament in its first year, but since 1947 it has been a 72-hole stroke play event. If two or more golfers are tied after 72 holes, they meet in an 18-hole playoff.