CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — More than 100 players from around the world are traveling to the Hurricane Valley to compete for their share of a $230,000 purse at the Copper Rock Championship, the only women’s professional golf event in Utah. Set for April 27-29, the tournament features a jam-packed roster of athletes chasing their dream of earning an LPGA Tour card.
“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. “We’re proud to represent Utah as a state that supports women’s professional golf.”
The tournament is a sanctioned event on the Epson Tour, the official “Road to the LPGA” that was created to prepare 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.
Players to watch in this year’s Copper Rock Championship
After shooting a sublime 65 in the final round to win the 2022 Copper Rock Championship by two strokes, Dottie Ardina of the Philippines is eager to defend her title. Also returning to Southern Utah is Spain’s Marta Sanz Barrio, who finished in the runner-up spot last year.
The current leader on this year’s “Road to the LPGA” is Australian Gabriela Ruffels, who won the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic last month to bring her 2023 winnings to $58,028 and counting. She’ll be looking to improve upon her performance in last year’s Copper Rock Championship, which saw her tied for 17th place.
Right behind Ruffels in the standings is Malaysia’s Natasha Andrea Oon. Just 21 years old and an Epson Tour rookie, she has already carded three top-10 finishes in four starts since the season began.
American Gigi Stoll is currently No. 3 on the Epson Tour’s official money list and enters the Copper Rock Championship in fine form, having captured the trophy at the Casino Del Sol Golf Classic in Arizona earlier this month. She’s also one of two Epson Tour players to qualify for an LPGA event, Hawaii’s Lotte Championship, two weeks ago. The other is Siyun Liu from China, who will play at Copper Rock as well.
Utah golf fans will also have the opportunity to cheer for two local players, Jane Olson from Utah Tech University and Lila Galeai from Brigham Young University, who were granted sponsor exemptions into the Copper Rock Championship. Playing alongside professional women in an Epson Tour event is a rare opportunity for collegiate golfers, James-Garcia said, and that’s exactly why the tournament’s organizers decided to offer their two allotted exemptions to students.
Another player with Utah roots is American Kendra Dalton, who played for BYU and was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018 before going pro. Carrie Roberts, head coach of the Lady Cougars golf team, will reunite with Dalton at Copper Rock to serve as her caddy.
Sharing a piece of Southern Utah with the world
Along with a check for $34,500, the winner of this year’s Copper Rock Championship will receive a uniquely stunning trophy designed and created by FX Industries, a family-owned and operated business in the Hurricane Valley. Founded in 1984, the company’s roots are in the lighting industry but have since diversified into a multi-faceted operation including powder coating, metal fabrication and signage, all of which are on display in this magnificent work of art.
“Supporting local business is very important to us,” James-Garcia said. “This trophy is a beautiful representation of Copper Rock and of Southern Utah. They’ve created something special that will go home with one lucky young lady.”
Sitting atop an engraved metal base, the blown glass trophy is speckled with grains of red sand from the bunkers at Copper Rock. FX Industries further elevated the experience by incorporating lighting, a motorized pedestal and a Bluetooth-enabled speaker. When presented to the winning player, the trophy will be illuminated and start rotating while playing Queen’s iconic victory anthem “We Are the Champions.”
“The design was the perfect collaboration between our shop and the people at Copper Rock,” FX Industries general manager Wil DuCrest said. “I hope whoever wins enjoys it and knows it was made with love.”
The third annual Copper Rock Championship features three days and 54 holes of thrilling competition, with play beginning at 7:30 a.m. each day. Tickets cost $15 for grounds access on Thursday and Friday, $20 for the final round on Saturday and $45 for the entire tournament. General admission passes include access to the 1st and 10th tees as well as the bleachers at the 9th and 18th greens.
Offering exclusive access to the private seating area near the 18th green 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. Get your 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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