The 1990 LPGA Championship marked a significant transition for the event compared to previous years. The tournament moved from Ohio to Bethesda Country Club in Maryland and doubled its purse to $1 million, the largest in LPGA Tour history at the time. The increase elevated the championship’s profile and drew approximately 70,000 spectators over four days, including 45,000 on Friday and Saturday, about 10,000 more than the previous year. Bethesda Country Club proved to be a stern test. Its firm greens and demanding approach shots limited scoring. Only two players finished under par for 72 holes.
The Final Round
Beth Daniel delivered the low round of the championship on Sunday, shooting an impressive 66 to post 284 (4-under-par), putting her in a great position. With her round complete, she waited as Rosie Jones finished her final holes with a chance to win the tournament from Daniel.
Jones, a 10-year LPGA veteran and a strong favorite entering the week, faced a dramatic finish at the 18th. She pushed her drive into the right rough, but the lie was favorable due to trampled grass. Her approach finished approximately 40 feet from the hole. Jones, who earned $92,500 for her finish at 3-under par, responded with admiration. “All I wanted was a chance,” Jones said. “I will remember that putt all of my life.” The birdie attempt tracked toward the cup, breaking late. It caught the left back edge, circled halfway around, and spun out. Jones reacted in frustration, while Daniel, watching from the television area, closed her eyes. “I thought she made it,” Daniel said. “When I look at the replay, I still thought she had made it.” Daniel had bogeyed the 18th hole earlier, leaving the door open.
Other Notable Performances
Dawn Coe recorded the third runner-up finish of her seven LPGA seasons. Her total of 284, aided by a 1-over-par final round and movement from others on the leaderboard, earned her a career-best check of $67,500, more than she had earned in four of her first six years as a professional. Sue Ertl, who held the second-round lead, slipped with a third-round 79 but rebounded with a final-round 69 to finish fourth at 285. Her closing round included an eagle at No. 12 and birdie putts of 30 and 15 feet at Nos. 13 and 15. “Mistakes are humbling in front of thousands. I’m just glad those same people were behind me today,” Ertl said. “I’m just really proud of myself for that 69.”
Changing the Narrative
At the time of this victory, Daniel already had 22 career LPGA wins. Yet there remained a perception that she needed a major victory to solidify her standing. “I think this win is important,” Daniel said. “One of my goals this year was to win a major, and it means that I have met a goal. But I don’t think it will raise the level of my game. You have to keep your perspective. You can’t lose sight of that.” With the victory at Bethesda, Daniel did lose something that day—the label as the best female golfer never to have won a major.
For readers who want additional historical context, the full article is available here.
