2002, a two-stage method of qualification was introduced: 18 holes for local qualifying and 36 holes for sectional qualifying. In 2010, the qualification process reverted to a single sectional stage of 36 holes played on a single day. The criteria for exemption from qualifying has changed through the years. In 2010, there were eleven exemption categories, including winners of the U.S. Women's Open for the last ten years, winners of the other three majors for the last five years, the top 50 from the previous year's LPGA Tour money list, the top five from the previous year's Japan LPGA Tour, Korea LPGA Tour, and Ladies European Tour money lists, and official winners of LPGA co-sponsored events for the 52-week period prior to the U.S. Women's Open. There is no upper or lower age limit. The youngest-ever qualifiers were 11-year-old Lucy Li in 2014, and 12-year-old Lexi Thompson in 2007. Winners of major amateur tournaments are also exempt. Currently, winners of the U.S. Girls' Junior, and U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur and the finalist of the U.S. Women's Amateur (all USGA events) are exempt provided they did not turn professional beforehand. Winners of the Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship will qualify effective with the inaugural tournament in 2019. The U.S. Women's Amateur champion is exempt, regardless of turning professional between the Women's Amateur and the U.S. Women's Open as a result of an August 2019 rule change by the USGA. Winners The number following some winners' names indicates the cumulative number of U.S. Women's Open wins for that player. (a) = Amateur † = Won 5 and 4 over Betty Jameson in 36-hole match play final Multiple champions This table lists the golfers who have won more than one U.S. Women's Open. The defending champion has retained the title on seven occasions, most recently in 2001: 2001 - Karrie Webb 1996 - Annika Sörenstam 1990 - Betsy King 1978 - Hollis Stacy 1973 - Susie Berning 1970 - Donna Caponi 1959 - Mickey Wright Through 2022, three consecutive championships has not been achieved. Future sites Oakmont Country Club is also slated to host in 2038. Pebble Beach Golf Links is also slated to host in 2040 and 2048. Oakland Hills Country Club is also slated to host in 2042. Merion Country Club is also slated to host in 2046. Source: See also Golf in the United States References External links United States Golf