Miss Wright became the first four-time Women's Open Champion under USGA sponsorship by defeating Miss Ruth Jessen in an 18-hole playoff at the San Diego Country Club, Chula Vista, Calif. They had tied at 290, three under par. Miss Wright played flawless golf in the playoff, posting a 70 to Miss Jessens' 72.

To make the playoff, Miss Wright had to get down in two from a bunker at the 72nd hole. Minutes earlier Miss Jessen had played a full wood shot that came to rest three feet from the hole on the final green to set up a birdie. First prize was $2,200; Miss Jessen earned $1,320. The low amateur was Miss Barbara McIntire, Colorado Springs, Colo., with 304. Miss McIntire later won the Women's Amateur title.

Miss Judy Bell, an amateur from Colorado Springs, had a phenomenal third round of 31-36—67, matching the record score for 18 holes in the Women's Open set by Miss Marilyn Smith in 1952. Physical discomfort caused by a skin reaction to sunshine required Miss Bell to wear gloves on both hands during the round.

Miss Wright led or tied for the lead after every round. She, Miss Shirley Englehorn, and Mrs. Marlene Bauer Hagge had 71 in the first round; Miss Wright was alone in the lead after 36 holes at 142; Miss Wright, Miss Englehorn and Miss Smith all had 217 after 54 holes.

Miss Louise Suggs, who had finished in the top 10 in the 11 previous Women's Opens, did not enter.