CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Copper Rock Golf Course in the Hurricane Valley once again welcomes professional women’s golfers from around the world. The Copper Rock Championship, set for April 27-29, will feature over 100 players seeking to climb the ranks of the Epson Tour, the official “Road to the LPGA,” and win their share of a $220,000 purse.
This year, golf fans will have the opportunity to cheer on two exceptional young players representing local schools, Jane Olson from Utah Tech University and Lila Galeai from Brigham Young University. Their entry was made possible through sponsor exemptions granted by the tournament’s organizers.
“Not only are they talented golfers, they’re also incredibly wonderful young women,” said Penny James-Garcia, volunteer and event coordinator for the Copper Rock Championship. “It’s an honor and a privilege for Copper Rock to be able to offer these exemptions.”
Originally from Riverton, Olson is a freshman majoring in general studies at Utah Tech. She was introduced to golf by her grandfather and has quickly risen through the junior, high school and collegiate ranks, having participated in five events with the Trailblazers so far. She earned three varsity letters with Riverton High School and finished first team all-state in 2021 and 2022 as well as taking 10th place in the 2021 Utah Women’s Open.
“She’s obviously very talented. She’s also a Utah girl who grew up here and learned the game of golf here,” said Gina Higbee, women’s golf assistant coach at Utah Tech. “She’ll be a great example for Utah Tech and for other girls out there who are dreaming of this opportunity and experience.”
Galea’i grew up in Orem and is currently a junior majoring in English at BYU. After securing two state championship titles, she graduated early from Lehi High School to begin her collegiate career and earned three consecutive top-25 finishes in her most recent season with the Cougars. Twice named Player of the Year by the Utah Junior Golf Association, she won the 2021 Utah Women’s State Amateur and 2021 Utah Women’s Four-Ball Championship as well as the FCG Callaway World Championship in 2019.
“She wants to do this professionally someday, and she has a lot of success and a lot of talent,” said Carrie Roberts, head coach of women’s golf at BYU. “A lot of times, you just need an opportunity, and for her to receive an invitation to a professional tournament is huge.”
The Copper Rock Championship is the fifth tournament of the 2023 Epson Tour season. The official qualifying division of the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour was created with the mission of preparing the rising stars of women’s golf for a successful professional career. Every year, the 10 players leading in prize money receive LPGA Tour membership for the following season.
Playing alongside professional women in an Epson Tour event is a rare chance for collegiate golfers, James-Garcia said, and that’s exactly why the tournament’s organizers decided to offer the sponsor exemptions to students. Whether they ultimately pursue a career in professional golf or not, it’s an extraordinary developmental opportunity for two players who have dedicated much of their lives to the game.
“We’re just delighted that BYU and Utah Tech will be represented in our championship,” she added. “We encourage all Cougar and Trailblazer fans to come out and support these two young women as they tee it up with the best in the business.”
The third annual Copper Rock Championship features three days and 54 holes of thrilling competition. Play begins at 7:30 a.m. each day, and the awards ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The winner will earn a $30,000 check and be one step closer to fulfilling her dream of earning an LPGA Tour card.
Tickets cost $15 for grounds access during the first two days of competition, $20 for the final round and $45 for the entire tournament. General admission passes include access to the 1st and 10th tees as well as the general admission bleachers at the 9th and 18th greens. Discounts are available for military and law enforcement personnel.
Offering exclusive access to the 18th green private seating area along with a buffet lunch, snacks and beverages, VIP tickets start at $100 for daily access on Thursday and Friday. Passes cost $125 for access on Saturday and $275 for all three days of play.
On Saturday at 1 p.m., Southern Utah’s junior golfers are invited to attend a clinic at the Copper Rock Golf Course driving range. Admission to the tournament and clinic is free for all registered members of the Junior Association of Golfers accompanied by a paid adult. Buy tickets today at CopperRockChampionship.com.
Event details
- What: 2023 Copper Rock Championship.
- When: Thursday through Saturday, April 27-29, all day.
- Where: Copper Rock Golf Course, 1567 W. Copper Rock Parkway, Hurricane.
- Tickets: $15-$275.
- Resources: Website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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