Royal Melbourne to host 2019 Women's Western Amateur

GOLF, Ill. (August 8, 2018) – Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, Illinois, will host the 119th Women’s Western Amateur Championship in 2019, the Women’s Western Golf Association and Western Golf Association announced today.

The event will be played July 15-20, 2019, marking the first time that Royal Melbourne has hosted a WWGA championship. The Women’s Western Amateur, held without interruption since 1901, is among the oldest annual championships in women’s amateur golf. Each year, it attracts the world’s best amateur and collegiate players.

In 2019, for the first time, the Western Golf Association will conduct the event in partnership with the Women’s Western Golf Association.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the Women’s Western Amateur to Royal Melbourne,” said Vince Pellegrino, Western Golf Association senior vice president of tournaments. “These are the most talented amateur women in the game, and we look forward to seeing them challenge themselves on one of the toughest courses in the Chicago area.”

Designed by PGA TOUR legend Greg Norman, who worked with architect Ted Robinson and KemperSports designer Bob Spence, Royal Melbourne makes the most of surrounding wetlands, ponds, prairies and trees to create a challenging test. The championship layout requires players to execute a variety of shots, mixing shorter par 4s where accuracy is key with long, difficult holes. The undulating fairways create uneven lies and camouflage approach shots.

“On behalf all of our members, it is an honor for us to host the best women amateurs from around the country at one of our flagship properties, Royal Melbourne Country Club,” said Josh Lesnik, KemperSports president.

The Women’s Western Amateur field will be comprised of 120 players with a USGA Handicap of 5.4 or less. The tournament begins with 36 holes of stroke play, after which the field will be trimmed to 32 players for match play. The champion will be decided after three days of match play.

“It’s an honor to chair the 2019 Women's Western Amateur,” said Susan Buchanan, tournament chairman. “This is a special tournament, and we’re proud to be celebrating 119 years of women’s championship golf.”

Emilee Hoffman of Folsom, California, is the latest addition to the prestigious list of Women’s Western Amateur champions, winning the 2018 event at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, Illinois. Other notable championship winners include current stars and legends of the LPGA TOUR, including Ariya Jutanugarn (2012), Stacy Lewis (2006), Brittany Lang (2003), Grace Park (1998), Cristie Kerr (1995) and Nancy Lopez (1976).