The TGA tournament season moves at a breakneck clip, and every year feels like it goes by faster than the one before. It seems inconceivable that fall is already well under way, but here we are. And that’s okay, because even though autumn means the 2023 competitions calendar is coming to a close, the Women’s Texas Pinehurst promises to be an exciting conclusion to a whirlwind year.
Scheduled for Nov. 6-7, the 11th edition of the championship will be played at Sterling Country Club at Houston National.
"We are very excited to have Sterling Country Club as host for this year’s Women’s Texas Pinehurst,” said Katie O’Connell, TGA Championship Administration Manager. “It’s an incredible venue with a membership that is really supportive of amateur golf, and I’m certain that combination will make for a truly memorable championship experience.”
Located on the northwest side of Houston, about a 20-minute drive from downtown, Houston National is one of the area’s premier facilities. The expansive complex features an 18-hole private course, Sterling Country Club, an 18-hole public course, Houston National Golf Club, an elegant 25,000 square-foot clubhouse, lighted driving range, upscale pro shop, and a host of other first-class amenities.
Sterling Country Club, the members-only course and host site for the Women’s Texas Pinehurst, was designed by Jeff Blume and opened in the fall of 2011. Situated on over 190 acres, the scenic layout weaves through a landscape of rolling hills, lakes, and native areas. With five sets of teeing options, the par-72 course offers an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels.
“The course is very engaging from tee to green with a great mix of holes,” O’Connell said. “It will be a wonderful test for the players and is sure to provide plenty of fond memories as we head into the off-season.”
The starting field for the 11th Women’s Texas Pinehurst will be comprised of 50 teams (100 players) separated into flight divisions based on the players’ combined World Handicap Indexes®. The format for the championship is 36-holes of Chapman System Stroke Play (also known as Pinehurst format). In this format, two players play as partners, with each playing from the teeing ground and each playing her partner’s ball for the second shot. After the second shot, partners select the ball which they wish to score and then play the ball alternately to complete the hole.
Melissa Loh of Arlington and Camry Tardy of Dallas made some enduring memories last year when they carded rounds of 67-68 to win the 10th Women’s Texas Pinehurst held on the Lakes Course at Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton. Their 9-under-par 135 total was good for a five-shot victory over runners-up Mina Hardin of Fort Worth and Nancy Beck of Dallas and Megan Moake of Houston and Claudia Ramirez of San Antonio.
While it’s always bittersweet to see another remarkable tournament season come to an end, Sterling Country Club will be a fantastic place to say farewell.
For more about the 11th Women’s Texas Pinehurst, click here.