Every time a Major comes to Western Pennsylvania, I say the same thing: “If you miss this one, shame on you until the next one comes along.” If you haven’t had the chance to play a round of golf at Fox Chapel Golf Club, watching an event there is the next best thing. Mark your calendar from August 1st through 4th for the 6th U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship. Every time one of our National Championships comes to our region, it’s time to celebrate.
Fox Chapel Golf Club will host its fourth USGA Championship and its first U.S. Senior Women’s Open. Seth Raynor took his inspiration for this gem from some of the best holes in Scotland and Europe, which opened for play in 1923. Brian Silva renovated the course in 2001, and Fazio Design completed an extensive restoration in 2020 that reintroduced
a variety of original greens and
bunkers. The historic Brandon Smith and Alden/Harlow Clubhouse, a registered architectural landmark, underwent major renovations in 2016.
Pennsylvania is no stranger to USGA Championships; this will be the 94th time one has taken place in our state.
When talking about female golfers in the Pittsburgh region, we must mention Carole Semple Thompson. I’ve called her our very own female version of Bobby Jones for years, and she is no stranger to Fox Chapel GC. The Pittsburgh native and lifelong amateur made a 27-foot bending birdie putt in the final singles match during the 2002 Curtis Cup at Fox Chapel Golf Club to secure the victory for Team USA. It simply doesn’t get better than that for Pittsburgh golf fans.
Annika Sorenstam, the 2021 champion and three-time U.S. Women’s Open titleholder, will be competing. So will four other U.S. Senior Open champions who are exempt from having to qualify: Laura Davies (2018), Helen Alfredsson (2019), Jill McGill (2022), and Trish Johnson (2023). Sorenstam and Davies are the only players to win both the U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Women’s Open championships.
Qualification for this event is open to female professional and amateur golfers with a handicap not exceeding 7.4 who are at least 50 years old by the start of the championship. Qualifying took place at 16 sites between June 5th and July 11th in 15 states.
The starting field will consist of 120 golfers, and will be cut after 36 holes to the low 50 scores and ties. Eighteen holes of stroke play are scheduled daily. In case of a tie after 72 holes of play, a two-hole aggregate playoff will commence immediately after the conclusion of the final round.
Experiencing a Major at Fox Chapel GC in person is like nothing you can imagine. Consider coming out to watch a round, or rounds, and if you have a young adult in your life, please bring them as well to create memories that will last a lifetime.
(Photos Courtesy of USGA/Fred Vuich)
