The major championship will be played for the first time in the Pacific Northwest when it is contested June 9-12, 2016 at the Sammamish, Wash. club.
Sahalee Country Club, Sammamish, Wash., has been named as the site of the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, marking the first time the major championship will be played in the Pacific Northwest.
The Championship, which will be contested June 9-12, 2016, will also make Sahalee the second site in Washington state to host a U.S. women’s major, following the inaugural U.S. Women’s Open in 1946 at Spokane (Wash.) Country Club.
Sahalee CC was also the site of the 1998 men’s PGA Championship and the 2010 U.S. Senior Open.
“Sahalee Country Club has a proven record of excellence in hosting major championships and we anticipate that it will be a spectacular setting for spectators as well as millions of viewers worldwide,” PGA of America President Derek Sprague said in making the announcement. ““The PGA of America is excited about partnering with KPMG and the LPGA in taking this Championship to some of the finest venues in the country and bringing new audiences into supporting women in golf.”
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship field of 156 will include the top eight finishers from the previous year’s LPGA Teaching & Club Professional National Championship, including PGA of America women members if they rank among the eight positions.
“One of the key pieces of our collaboration with KPMG and the PGA of America was the commitment to bringing this Championship to world-class venues, and Sahalee Country Club will provide a great major championship test for our players,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan. “The Pacific Northwest has always been a strong supporter of the LPGA, and we are excited to bring the Tour back to Seattle for the first time since 1999.”
Designed by Ted Robinson in 1969 and renovated by Rees Jones in 1996, Sahalee Country Club takes its name after the Chinook phrase, “High Heavenly Ground.” The par-72 layout will play to 6,692 yards in the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
“Sahalee is thrilled with the opportunity to partner with KPMG, the PGA of America and the LPGA to host another PGA Major Championship,” said Sahalee CC President Steve Oaks. “Sahalee has a long-standing relationship with the PGA of America and we are honored to be selected from among the finest golf venues to host a Championship, which is consistent with our club’s mission. When we learned of the PGA of America’s plan to couple this Major Championship with the women’s leadership summit, we were eager to be a part of this innovative Championship.”
“I think it’s absolutely great for the region,” Oaks added. “There are a lot of very successful companies on the West Coast that have very talented women leaders in senior positions.”
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