Park Ridge selected to host 100th Women's Western Junior in 2027

GLENVIEW, Ill. – The Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) and the Western Golf Association (WGA) have announced that Park Ridge Country Club will host the 100th Women’s Western Junior Championship in June 2027. The milestone event will bring 78 of the world’s top female junior golfers to Park Ridge for one of the most prestigious championships in junior golf.

First played in 1920, the Women’s Western Junior Championship is among the oldest junior golf tournaments in the United States. Conducted annually by the WWGA in partnership with the WGA, the championship features an elite international field, with many competitors going on to play at the Division I collegiate level and beyond.

“We are thrilled to return to Park Ridge for the 100th Women’s Western Junior,” said WWGA President Susan Buchanan. “When we hosted the Women’s Western Amateur there in 2021, the club and its membership fully embraced the championship. As we considered future sites, it was clear Park Ridge would be an outstanding venue for this historic milestone.”

This will mark the fourth WWGA championship held at Park Ridge Country Club, which most recently hosted the 2021 Women’s Western Amateur, won by Marissa Wenzler. The club previously hosted the Women’s Western Junior in 1934 and the Women’s Western Open in 1944, where Babe Zaharias claimed victory. In total, Park Ridge has hosted 11 national championships, underscoring its long-standing tradition of supporting elite competition.

“Park Ridge is proud to host the 100th Women’s Western Junior,” said Chris Clark, Park Ridge Country Club president. “Being chosen to host the centennial anniversary of this historic championship is a testament to our supportive membership and talented staff. We look forward to welcoming the top-ranked juniors in girls’ golf, and we’re honored to have an opportunity to play a role in their developing careers.”

An international field of 78 players will compete for the historic Icely Trophy and exemptions into other elite events. The competition begins with 36 holes of stroke play over the first two days, after which the field is cut to the low 16 players who advance to match play to determine the champion.

Long regarded as a proving ground for future stars, the event boasts an impressive list of past champions, including Candie Kung (1998), Cristie Kerr (1994), Grace Park (1993) and Nancy Lopez (1972, 1973, 1974).

Alumni of the championship have combined for 218 LPGA Tour wins, 10 Solheim Cup appearances and six major championships.