Women’s Amateur Championship is playing at Championship

Park Commission staff has been preparing the Meadow and Lake nines for more than two years to assure the finest conditions and ultimate challenge for 156 qualified golfers from across the country and around the world.

Neshanic Valley has been recognized for its environmental initiatives, designated as River Friendly Golf Course by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority in 2008; earning recognition as a Certified Ping G20 driver Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International in 2009; receiving honor for Environmental Stewardship by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 2009; and named a Groundwater Guardian Green Site by The Groundwater Foundation in 2010.

The championship course layout will measure 6,221 yards and play to par 72. Defending champion Brianna Do, a senior at UCLA will not defend her title as she is expected to turn pro after the UCLA golf team concludes its season on May 26. However, USA Curtis Cup Team members Tiffany Lua, Lisa McCloskey (2010 Woman’s Amateur Public Links runner-up) and Emily Tubert (2010 Woman’s Amateur Public Links champion) have entered and will look to add their names to the illustrious list of champions that includes Yani Tseng (currently the No. 1 player in the world), Michelle Wie, Pearl Sinn and Tiffany Joh.

“This national championship will bring well-earned recognition to Neshanic Valley, one of the finest municipal golf complexes in the country,” said Bob Ransone, Deputy Director, Golf Division for the Somerset County Park Commission. “The selection of Neshanic Valley is a tribute ping g15 irons to our staff and the leadership and direction provided by the Park Commissioners. This event will be a source of great pride for every citizen of Somerset County.”

The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

On June 18, 156 golfers will compete in 36-holes of stroke play qualifying to determine the 64 golfers who will comprise the match-play bracket. Five rounds over the ensuing three days will whittle the field down to two finalists who will compete in the scheduled 36-hole championship final on Saturday, June 23.

Spectators are welcome to watch the country’s finest female amateur golfers compete in the six-day championship. There is no charge for admission and on-site parking is available. Tee times for June 18 and 19 are 7:30 a.m. (morning wave) and 12:30 p.m. (afternoon wave). Tee times for the remaining days will be posted after the June 19 session.

The U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship was inaugurated in 1977 as an opportunity for public-course players to compete for a national championship. It is open to female amateur golfers who are bona fide public-course players and who hold a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 18.4.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course, recently discount golf clubs named the 30th Best Municipal Golf Course in the United States by Golfweek provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a nine-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center.