Quail Creek Country Club, in Naples, Fla., has been selected by the United States Golf Association as the host site for the 2017 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Scheduled for Oct. 7-12, the 31st U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur will be the club’s first USGA championship.
“The USGA is honored to add Quail Creek Country Club as a championship site,” said Diana Murphy, USGA vice president and Championship Committee chairman. “We’re confident the club will be a terrific host, and we look forward to crowning the 31st U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champion in the vibrant golf community of Naples.”
Designed in 1981 by Arthur Hills, who also renovated Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club, host site of the 2016 U.S. Open, Quail Creek features two 18-hole courses named Quail and Creek. The course for the 2017 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur will be announced at a later date.
Both courses were renovated in 2013 by Kevin F. Leo, Quail Creek’s golf course superintendent, with Hills serving as a consultant. Renovations include an increase in playable native areas that has reduced the amount of water, fertilizer and maintenance required; the restoration of bermudagrass throughout the course; and the addition and restoration of bunkers. The club has hosted numerous state and regional events.
“On behalf of the membership of Quail Creek Country Club, we are honored to host the 2017 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship,” said Robert P. Magrann, club president. “It is gratifying to have confirmed that our club and courses are of championship caliber, and we are proud to provide an exceptional golf experience for our members and guests alike.”
The 2017 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur will be the 22nd USGA championship and fourth U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur contested in Florida. The Sunshine State will also host the 2016 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball at Streamsong Resort’s Blue Course in Streamsong.
First played in 1987, the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur was created to provide a national championship for female amateurs age 25 and older who own a Handicap Index® not exceeding 9.4. The championship field features 132 players who compete in two rounds of stroke play, after which the field is cut to the low 64 scorers for match play. The winner is determined by an 18-hole final.
The 2016 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur will be conducted Sept. 10-15 at The Kahkwa Club in Erie, Pa.