Miss Sandra Palmer scored 71 in the third round-one of only two sub-par rounds all week?and added a par 72 the final day to win the 23rd Women's Open Championship by four strokes with seven-over par 295 at the Atlantic City Country Club, Northfield, N.J. Tied for second were

Miss Nancy Lopez, of Roswell, New Mexico an amateur; Mrs. JoAnne Carrier, the 1971 Champion; and Miss Sandra Post. Miss Lopez was U. S. Girls' Junior Champion in 1972 and 1974. Miss Susie McAllister was fifth. Mrs. Judy Rankin, who tied for second in 1972, led after 18 holes with par 72, a stroke ahead of Mrs. Carrier, Miss Lopez, I and Miss Judy Kimball. Miss Palmer, mean while, shot 78 and trailed the leader by six strokes. Miss Post added a 73 to her first round 74 to take the early 36-hole lead at 147; she was later tied by Miss Lopez who shot 74. Tied for third were Mrs. Rankin. and Miss Diane Patterson, at 149. Mrs. Garner, Miss Laura Baugh, and Miss Sally Little, whose 70 was the best round of the entire Championship, were at 150, while Miss Palmer was five strokes behind at 152.

On the third day, however, Miss Palmer shot a one-under par 71 and went into a tie for the lead at 223 with Miss Little who had I 73, and Miss Post who shot 76. One stroke back were Mrs. Carrier, Miss Lopez, and Miss Debbie Austin, while Miss Sandra Haynie. the defending Champion, and Miss Amy Alcott 1973 U. S. Girls' Junior Champion were two strokes behind.

The winds that had hampered play all week grew stronger the final day and only Miss Palmer. Miss McAllister and Miss Maria Astrolges were able to play par rounds. Miss Palmer held her lead lay playing the front nine in even par 37, while Miss Post fell two behind with 39. Mrs. Carner, on 38, was also two strokes back, and Miss Lopez was three behind with 39. Miss Little had 42 going out and Miss Austin had 40; both were out of contention.

Miss Palmer played holes 10 through 14 in one under par, and Mrs. Carner lost another stroke and was three behind after 14 holes. She then boogied the 15th and was able only to match Miss Palmer's three finishing holes. Miss Lopez shot one-over par 36 on the hone nine, losing possession of second place by putting too boldly at the 18th green and losing a stroke to par. Her finish, however, was the best by an amateur since Miss Catherine Lacoste won the Championship in 1967. Seven other amateur, played through 72 holes. There were 175 entries and prize none totaled $55,000.