The Brief
• 144 golfers from around the world compete in the Pacific Northwest’s only EPSON Tour stop
• Local favorite Therese Warner from Kennewick shoots two under par in the opening round
• Tournament winner receives 500 points toward LPGA card qualification
PENDLETON, Ore. — The Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic officially began Thursday morning with perfect weather conditions as 144 professional golfers from around the world took to the course in pursuit of crucial LPGA Tour qualification points.
The tournament marks the Pacific Northwest’s only stop on the EPSON Tour, drawing spectators who lined the fairways to watch rising stars compete in the opening round. Players faced ideal conditions with minimal wind and pristine greens.
“The winner gets 500 points in the race for the card. That can launch any player from the bottom close to the top 15 or even in the top 15,” said Carly Haines, Digital Content Producer for the EPSON Tour.
Local golfer Therese Warner of Kennewick capitalized on the hometown support, shooting two under par in her first round to stay within striking distance of the leaders.
“It played pretty easy today I’m not going to lie. Usually, we have a lot of wind out there, but today it stayed very calm with the wind. Greens were running super pure, we were second off, so we didn’t have to deal with any spike marks, putting was good, overall just great conditions,” Warner said.
The course conditions differed significantly from last year’s tournament, according to competitors familiar with the venue. Julia Johnson Gillespie, who shot three under par after the first round, noted the changes players had to adapt to.
“It was a lot drier last year. This year, the fairways are a lot softer; we’re not seeing as much roll out with the golf ball. We have longer clubs than we did last year, which I think is due to that. I hit a lot more nine irons, eight irons, pitching wedges, versus last year, I hit a lot of wedges,” Johnson Gillespie explained.
For many competitors, this represents their first experience playing in the Pacific Northwest, though Johnson Gillespie considers Pendleton one of her favorite tournament locations.
The tournament provides golf fans with an opportunity to witness the sport’s emerging talent up close. First-time attendee Reyna Walker expressed her appreciation for the international field.
“I am impressed that they have come from their home countries to Eastern Oregon, and that’s great exposure to the area, and I hope they are enjoying where they’re at,” Walker said.
The competition continues through the weekend, with the final round and trophy presentation scheduled for Sunday. Tournament organizers have made the event accessible to families, offering weekend passes for $12 while children 15 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult.
The EPSON Tour serves as the primary pathway to the LPGA Tour, with the top finishers each season earning their tour cards. The 500 points awarded to the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic winner represent a significant boost in the race for LPGA qualification.
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