- The road to the 2026 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship is back at a familiar stop in the Miami Valley as Walnut Grove Country Club once again hosts one of the nation's premier qualifying sites. This Thursday, July 9, 76 players representing six countries and 12 states will compete over 18 holes for four qualifying positions in the 126th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, to be played August 4-9 at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee. The championship, the most prestigious in Women’s amateur golf, dates to 1895. 

Walnut Grove has developed a reputation for identifying future champions. Since the club first began hosting U.S. Women's Amateur qualifiers, two eventual champions have advanced through the Miami Valley site. In 2017, Sophia Schubert qualified at Walnut Grove before capturing the national championship with a victory over Albane Valenzuela. Four years later, Jensen Castle also emerged from the Walnut Grove qualifier before defeating Vivian Hou, 2 and 1, to claim the 2021 U.S. Women's Amateur title.

The competition has been exceptionally strong in recent years. Last year's medalist finished at 3-under-par, while 1-under-par was required just to reach a playoff for the final qualifying positions.

Local players to watch include Morgan Rodgers of Springboro (8:20 a.m.), who will be a senior at Ohio University, Taylor Dunkle of Springboro (8:20 a.m.), an incoming sophomore at Bellarmine University, Marisa Alfes of Bellbrook (8:40 a.m.), a recent Ohio Northern graduate, Leeann Harker of Centerville (9:10 a.m.), who enters her senior season at Ashland University, Ellie Yeazell of West Chester (10:20 a.m.), last year's co-medalist, Clare Yeazell of West Chester (11:00 a.m.), Jenna Hayes of Centerville (12:00 p.m.), a recent Western Michigan graduate, and Riley Johnson of Lebanon (12:10 p.m.), who will be a junior at the University of Dayton. Eileen Park (8:40 a.m.), who shared medalist honors with Ellie Yeazell in 2025, also returns to this year's field.

Several former Walnut Grove qualifiers are also back. Regan Ramage (10:40 a.m.), the 2023 co-medalist, returns, along with Mia Hammond (12:10 p.m.), who was co-medalist in 2022.

Walnut Grove Country Club will play to a par 72 at approximately 6,300 yards. Play begins at 8:00 a.m., with the final group teeing off at 12:10 p.m. Spectators are welcome to attend and follow some of the nation's top amateur talent as they compete for a place in one of golf's most prestigious championships.

Miami Valley Golf is a mission-driven 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to uniting the community through foundational programs and initiatives. We support the game by providing handicapping services, course rating, and meaningful playing opportunities while championing philanthropic efforts like Youth on Course, High School Golf Stewardship, and Golf, My Future, My Game among many others. Our work focuses on advancing the game’s sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity, fostering wellness and community connection. As an Impact-First Charitable nonprofit, we are committed to transparency and ensuring golf’s enduring impact for current and future generations. For more, visit miamivalleygolf.org