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Every state but Alaska has hosted at least one U.S. Golf Association championship event, but that’s set to change in two years when the USGA brings the 60th U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur to Anchorage, the association announced Wednesday.
The tournament is set for July 30-Aug. 4 at the Anchorage Golf Course.
Alaska has hosted a U.S. Open qualifying tournament every year since 2009 as well as a number of U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur qualifying events, but it’s never been the scene of a USGA championship tournament.
“It’s a monumental occasion for us to bring a championship to Alaska, something that has been a long time coming,” Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA, said in a statement announcing the tournament. “Players from all over the country dream of becoming USGA champions, so it is important we bring our events to all corners of the United States to expose golfers and golf fans to the inspiration and competitiveness of our championships.”
The tournament will bring 132 players to AGC, a 6,600-yard municipal course designed by Bill Newcomb. It’s open to any woman 50 or over with a handicap index that doesn’t exceed 14.4 and who qualifies at a sectional qualifying event or receives an exemption.
“We’re thrilled and honored to be a part of this historic moment," AGC general manager Rich Sayers said in the announcement from the USGA. “To showcase to the world what sort of golf we have here in Alaska, and demonstrate both the challenge and beauty of our golf course on such a grand stage, is something we cannot wait for. The championship can’t come soon enough.”
Two rounds of stroke play will narrow the field of 132 to 64, who will then compete in six rounds of match play.
The 2020 championship was cancelled because of COVID-19. The 2021 tournament is scheduled to be played at the Lakewood Club in Point Clear, Alabama.
The reigning champion is Lara Tennant of Portland, Oregon, who won her second straight title in 2019.
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