Crystal Mountain to Host 32nd Michigan PGA Women’s Open
By Greg Johnson
Crystal Mountain is once again preparing a celebration of women’s golf in the state, by welcoming the top players in the game for the 23rd consecutive year. More than 70 percent of all Michigan Women’s Opens played since the tournament’s inception 32 years ago have been hosted by Crystal Mountain.
The Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola, June 23-25, is the centerpiece of the celebration, but a special reception for tournament players on June 23 will feature LPGA Hall of Fame golfers Meg Mallon and Beth Daniel as speakers.
The entry deadline for the championship is June 11, and the resort is presenting a pro-am on the weekend prior to the championship. Enter at michiganpga.com and learn more about the pro-am at crystalmountain.com.
For the second year, this special championship will include a Senior Championship division and competition for players over the age of 50. The Michigan Section PGA also holds its Michigan Women’s PGA Professional Championship for section professionals in conjunction with the Open.
“It has turned into a celebration of women’s golf in Michigan and having Meg Mallon and Beth Daniel speaking is a really special thing for the players this year,” said Justin Phillips, the tournament director of the Michigan Section PGA, which administers the championship. “Crystal Mountain continues to serve families and golfers of all abilities, and for a long time has made it a special championship for top women golfers.”
The Women’s Open field will once again include touring professionals from across the country as well as some international players, and top amateur golfers from our state and elsewhere. The championship is played on the signature course at the resort, Mountain Ridge, and the professionals play for a $40,000 purse.
Crystal Mountain and the Michigan Section PGA welcomes spectators free of charge.
Jessica Welch of Thomasville, Ga., is the defending champion and Suzy Green-Roebuck of Ann Arbor, a Michigan Golf Hall of Fame member and former LPGA Tour player, is the defending Senior Division champion. Top collegiate players are also expected to enter, and former LPGA standout Elaine Crosby of Jackson has already entered the Senior Division competition as well.
Noted Michigan architect Bill Newcomb designed the Mountain Ridge course. It features some dramatic elevation changes, natural sand areas and holes cut through towering tunnels of trees.
