KENILWORTH, N.J. – The New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) has established the New Jersey Women’s Open Championship, a new competition that will showcase women’s championship golf. The event is open to female amateur golfers from New Jersey and professional female golfers, regardless of residency.
The inaugural competition will be conducted at Montclair Golf Club on June 21-22, 2023 on their Second and Third nines. Registration for the event is set to open in early March.
“The NJSGA is extremely proud to host its first Women’s Open Championship in 2023,” expressed Michael McFadden, NJSGA President. “Women’s golf continues to grow nationally as well as in the state of New Jersey. Adding this event is further proof of our commitment to women’s golf in addition to our existing events.”
The championship will be open to all professional females, and New Jersey amateur females with a Handicap Index not exceeding 9.6. The field will include 78 players, with 46 positions reserved for professionals.
The format will feature a walking-only, 36-hole stroke play competition over two consecutive days. There will be no cut in place for the inaugural event. Full purse information, including prize money breakdown will be announced at a later date.
“It’s a great year for women’s golf with the LPGA professionals visiting New Jersey four times in two months,” expressed Kevin Purcell, NJSGA Executive Director. “There will be a buzz about women’s golf around the state. What a great time to launch our Women’s Open Championship.”
Montclair Golf Club, founded in 1893, is one of the six founding clubs of the NJSGA and one of the oldest golf clubs in the Garden State is comprised of four, 9-hole courses. The original 18-hole course was designed by Tom Bendelow before esteemed golf course architect Donald Ross designed the first, second and third nines in 1920. In 1928, yet another prolific architect, Charles Banks took on the design of the Fourth Course.
Over the years, the original designs have been reworked by two world-renowned course architects and Club members in Robert Trent Jones and Rees Jones. In 2019, Montclair began an $18 million project, which not only included renovations to all four nines, but upgrades to various areas on the property like the practice area, pool area, locker rooms, tennis courts, paddleball and pickleball courts. Brian Schneider of Renaissance Golf led the way in the course project, rebuilding green shapes and contours, expanding fairways, bunker renovations, tree work, bent grass installation, and more, ultimately returning the course back to its Ross and Banks roots.
“Montclair Golf Club is one of New Jersey’s finest facilities and the players should expect a true championship test come June,” said Brad Bardon, Director, Championships. “We look forward to partnering with the club to host the inaugural event and are excited to create a new chapter in women’s golf in NJ.”
The Women’s Open Championship will mark the NJSGAs 25th State Championship.
About the NJSGA
The NJSGA is a non-profit organization of public and private clubs and courses dedicated to the service of golf in New Jersey. Founded in 1900, our mission is to promote and preserve the traditions of the game of golf in the State of New Jersey. 120 years later, this fundamental principle continues to guide the NJSGA.
Today, more than 250 member clubs, courses, and organizations represent nearly 65,000 members of the NJSGA. Most importantly, due to the variety and quality of services provided to our member clubs, courses, and golfers, the Association continues to grow.
In accordance with the mission statement, the New Jersey State Golf Association is dedicated to serving golf in New Jersey. We are proud of our diverse tournament schedule, which includes 25 State Championships for golfers of varying backgrounds and skill levels.
NJSGA Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njgsa.org or follow New Jersey State Golf Association on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @NJSGA1900.
