Golf, Ill. (June 4, 2019) – Janice Kim of Edina, Minnesota, will seek to successfully defend her title at the Women’s Western Junior on June 16-20, when the championship returns to Woodland Country Club, in Carmel, Indiana, for the first time since 1969.

Kim will head a field of 78 top junior golfers competing in the 93rd Women’s Western Junior, conducted in partnership by the Women’s Western Golf Association and the Western Golf Association.

Janice won the 2018 title at Cincinnati Country Club in Cincinnati, Ohio, defeating Macy Hanus of Bowling Green, Ohio, 3 and 2 in the 18-hole championship match.

The Women’s Western Junior has been a stepping stone for many junior golfers, who have moved on to become top amateur and college players. Among those expected to compete with Kim for the 2019 title are: UCLA verbal commit Yuki Yoshihara, Irvine, California; Kentucky incoming freshman Marissa Wenzler, Dayton, Ohio; and highly ranked Brooke Biermann, a high school junior from Wildwood, Missouri. Notable past champions include Cristie Kerr (1994), Grace Park (1993) and three-time Nancy Lopez (1972-74).

Many Indiana juniors will be participating in the event as well, including: Jocelyn Bruch, Katelyn Kuc, Elizabeth Hedrick, Angelica and Christina Pfefferkorn and Sophie McGinnis of Carmel; Gabriella Gilrowski of Westfield; Chelsea Morrow of Fishers; Nathaly Munnicha of Columbus; Kiah Parrott of Kokomo; Yanah Rolston of Fortville; Maggie Schaffer of Indianapolis; Destynie Sheridan of Ft. Branch; Abby Thielbar of Zionsville and Abigail Whittington of Evansville.

“Woodland Country Club is a great partner of both the WWGA and WGA, and we’re excited to have the club hosting the Women’s Western Junior,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “This championship attracts some of the finest junior golfers in the country, and the course layout will provide an excellent championship challenge.”

The 1969 Western Junior hosted by Woodland C.C. was won by Mary Jane Fassinger, who later that same year finished runner up to Hollis Stacy in the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.

“I’m very excited about the quality of the field this year. The Tournament Committee is especially happy that Janice Kim is returning to defend her 2018 title,” said Kim Schriver, Women’s Western Junior Public Relations Chairman. “There are many familiar players and contestants to introduce to the new tournament format. Woodland Country Club is a track that will test the players’ abilities. It’s also exciting to join forces with the WGA to provide a premier tournament experience. The young women are the future of golf, and we all can’t wait to watch them compete.”

Woodland Country Club, designed by renowned golf course architect Bill Diddel, opened in 1956. In 2002, legendary golf course architect, Pete Dye, unveiled his re-creation of Diddel’s original layout. Today, Woodland offers a design that will test the skills of players of all levels.

“We’re thrilled to host the Women’s Western Junior Championship,” said Patrick White, head professional at Woodland Country Club. “The membership is excited about the caliber of golfers the championship attracts and the prestige of hosting an event with such a rich history.”