CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — As Hurricane’s Copper Rock Golf Course prepares for a double-header of women’s professional golf unlike anything Southern Utah has ever seen, they’re offering the community an opportunity to get involved. It’s an evening that promises to be a real hole-in-one!
This year, the Copper Rock Championship has partnered with BigShots Golf St. George to host a Meet the Pros community social and fundraising event. It’s going to be an epic party you don’t want to miss, with food, games and activities for the whole family, a longest-drive competition and, of course, get to know the next generation of LPGA stars.
“It’s a unique and amazing opportunity for the general public to come out and meet these wonderful athletes,” said Penny James-Garcia, volunteer and event coordinator for the Copper Rock Championship. “Copper Rock is so pleased to support professional women’s golf and make outstanding golf available in our community.”
While the party offers something for everybody, golf enthusiasts can show off their skills and raise money for Make-A-Wish Utah during the longest-drive competition. The minimum donation to enter is $10; for a donation of $20 or more, you can have an Epson Tour pro hit your shot for you.
All funds raised by the longest drive competition will go directly to Make-A-Wish Utah to help fund a wish for a local child battling a life-threatening illness. The winner will receive an overnight stay in a luxury vacation villa at Copper Rock plus two rounds of golf and two VIP tickets to both of this year’s tournaments.
“Our fundraising goal is $7,500, which will fulfill a wish for a child and their family,” said Mary Mathews, marketing and sales director for BigShots Golf St. George. “I just feel like it’s such a great opportunity for everyone to get involved in while having fun.”
Meanwhile, Utah Tech University mascot Brooks the Bison will be hosting mini golf and other fun activities for kids. There’s also thrilling live entertainment from Uplift Aerial Utah and the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, plus a drone show.
It’s all happening on Tuesday, May 14, from 6-9 p.m. Tickets cost $10 per person and are available to purchase here.
The fourth annual Copper Rock Championship is set for May 16-18. Over 100 players from around the world are traveling to Southern Utah to compete for their share of a $250,000 prize purse and ranking points on the Epson Tour, the official developmental tour of the LPGA.
The diverse and exciting field includes Saki Baba from Japan, who turned professional shortly after winning the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur in a stunning underdog victory. Although she’s only 19 years old, Baba is already making waves as a player to watch during her rookie season on the Epson Tour.
Another up-and-coming talent is Malaysia’s Alyaa Abdulghany, a powerhouse for the USC Trojans women’s golf team who joined the Epson Tour as a junior in college. Abdulghany recently received Dow’s Next Generation sponsorship, which is designed to help ease the financial burden players face as they ascend the ranks of professional golf.
Back for another shot at the title is American Samantha Wagner, who earned LPGA membership through the Epson Tour in 2023 and continues to play on both tours. Her career highlights include 16 top-10 finishes, including a tie for second place at the 2021 Copper Rock Championship.
Also in the mix will be Dottie Ardina of the Philippines, winner of the 2022 Copper Rock Championship. Ardina is returning to Southern Utah in fine form, having already finished in the top 10 at two events on this year’s Epson Tour calendar.
Don’t miss Therese Warner, the former Arizona Wildcat who joined the Epson Tour last year after making her mark in collegiate golf. She tied for second in the 2023 Copper Rock Championship after a thrilling three-way playoff finish on the 18th hole.
Additionally, Utah golf fans will have the opportunity to cheer for a familiar face as Brigham Young University alumnus Kendra Dalton takes to the links. Dalton, who notched two wins and 15 top-10 finishes during her time with the Cougars, will be caddied by BYU women’s golf coach Carrie Roberts over the weekend.
Who will be the next champion?
The Copper Rock Championship will be followed by Utah’s first-ever LPGA Senior Championship on May 23-25. While the Epson Tour highlights ambitious young golfers chasing their dream of earning LPGA membership, the Senior Championship, a major event on the Legends of the LPGA tour, will showcase the enduring talents of icons of the game.
For local golf fans, the double-header at Copper Rock presents a unique opportunity to watch both rising stars of the women’s game and players who have already made their mark on the pro tour. Tickets start at just $15 for general admission to both tournaments, or you can upgrade your experience with access to Club 17, an exclusive hospitality area overlooking the 17th green.
Click here to reserve your spot and view important spectator and parking information.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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