This Day in Golf History: July 26

The 1981 U.S. Women's Open was held at LaGrange Country Club, in a suburb of Chicago. It is noted for the great final-day battle between Pat Bradley and Beth Daniel, and for the ultimately failed effort by legendary Kathy Whitworth to win the major she never was able to win. Bradley birdied the final hole on this date after Daniel nearly eagled it, and that secured a nine-under-par total of 279 to win by one shot. Whitworth was third with 284 after taking a three-shot lead after 54 holes. But she shot 74 in the final round to Bradley's 66.