Mrs. Susie Maxwell Berning, of Crystal Bay, Nev., a bride of seven weeks, led every round in winning the Women's Open Championship at Moselem Springs Golf Club, Fleetwood, Pa. Mrs. Berning, co-runnerup in 1967, became one of six players who won after leading every round. Her score was five-over-par 289, and included a 69 in the first round.

Her 71 in the final round equalled the lowest closing-round score by a Champion. Miss Mickey Wright, of Dallas, was runnerup, three strokes behind Mrs. Berning with 292. Miss Wright scored 68 in the final round, a record finish.

Miss Carol Mann and Miss Marilynn Smith tied for third at 295. Miss Catherine Lacoste tied for 13th place with 302. Miss Phyllis Preuss, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. was low amateur; she scored 300 and was tied for ninth place.

Mrs. Berning had rounds of 69-73-76-71. She led Miss Wright by one stroke after 18 holes, and increased her lead to four strokes over Mrs. Murle Lindstrom after 36. She still led by two strokes over Miss Mann after 54 holes. Miss Wright, playing ahead of Mrs. Berning in the final round, came in with her 68, and only excellent play under pressure preserved Mrs. Berning's victory.

Mrs. Berning received 5,000 prize money. A total of $24,950 was distributed among the professionals. Miss Wright's $2,200 increased her record prize winnings for the Open to $12,435. A record number of 104 players entered, whom 65 were professionals, another record.