Tournament Information
126th Women’s Western Amateur Championship
River Forest Country Club | Elmhurst, IL
July 6-11, 2026
The Women's Western Amateur is open to amateur women who have an up-to-date 18-hole handicap index that does not exceed 3.4 under the World Handicap System. The WWGA Committee limits the field to a maximum of 120 contestants.
The championship begins with 36 holes of stroke-play qualifying, after which the field is cut to the low 32 players for match play. In the event of a tie for the 32nd position, a sudden-elimination playoff will determine the final match play qualifiers. Five rounds of 18-hole matches will decide the Women's Western Amateur champion.
The Women's Western Amateur champion receives fully exempt status into the next ten (10) Women’s Western Amateur Championships as long as she retains eligibility and will receive an exemption into the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur. Please see the application information for a full listing of exemptions awarded to top finishers.
The Women’s Western Amateur Championship is recognized by World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and is a member of the Women's Elite Amateur Golf Series.
2026 Schedule of Events
All times in CDT and subject to change.
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Saturday, July 4 5:00 p.m.
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Complimentary Player Dinner Buffet & Fireworks Optional |
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Sunday, July 5 1:30 p.m. |
Co-Am hosted by River Forest Country Club Outing and Reception |
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Monday, July 6 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
Registration & Practice Rounds Player registration
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Tuesday, July 7 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. |
First Qualifying Round (18 holes, stroke play) Tee Times: Holes 1 and 10
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Wednesday, July 8 Times TBA |
Second Qualifying Round (18 holes, stroke play) Tee Times: Holes 1 and 10
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Thursday, July 9 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. |
Match Play Round of 32 tee times off No. 1
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Friday, July 10 7:30 a.m. - 7:54 a.m.
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Match Play Round of 8 tee times off No. 1 |
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Saturday, July 11 7:30 a.m. |
Match Play Championship tee time off No. 1 |