2026 Golfweek Senior Division National Championship

Presented By

Desert Willow Golf Club

Palm Desert, California 

March 27-29, 2026

 The Mountain View Course

1200 Points

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     IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE TO BE IN MARCH 2026 - DON'T MISS THE FANTASTIC WEATHER, BEAUTIFUL VIEWS AND COMPETITIVE GOLF!

 

Located in the heart of the golf mecca that is Palm Springs, Desert Willow Golf Club in Palm Desert, CA, is set to host the 2026 Golfweek Senior Division National Championship! The Mountain View course promises a true challenge, with shimmering water features, rolling greens, and breathtaking views of the mountains framing each shot. Join us for this fifth-annual showdown, where top senior amateur golfers from every corner of the country will compete for glory and the chance to claim their spot among the world's elite. Don’t miss this unforgettable event—where skill meets scenic splendor in the desert!

NOTE: Limited to 104 players.

 

  The tournament will be contested from one set of tees. Open to players 55 years of age and over as of March 31, 2025.

 

*** 2022 CHAMPION - JERRY GUNTHORPE *** 

*** 2023 CHAMPION - GARY ALBRECHT ***

*** 2024 CHAMPION - JON LINDSTROM ***

*** 2025 CHAMPION - BRYAN HOOPS ***

 

National Exposure. THIS TOURNAMENT WILL BE COVERED DAILY BY USA TODAY SPORTS/GOLFWEEK and other media outlets.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All Golfweek senior amateur tournaments are certified WAGR counting events leading to exemptions

into the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur at Baltimore Country Club, Baltimore, MD

 

Tournament Facts:

Eligibility:   

- Amateur Golfers, aged 55 and over by the start of tournament play, March 27, 2026

- Handicap Index of 8.0 or lower

- Carts are mandatory - No Caddies

 

Divisions:

-Senior age 55 and up

 

Tees:

-There will be one set of tees playing between 6400 and 6700 yards.

-The yardage will be determined by course conditions and will vary from day to day. 

 

Conditions of Play:

The current USGA Rules of Golf shall be in effect.

 

Tournament Registration $865.00 which includes: 

- Three (3) tournament rounds with cart, bag storage and practice range

- Prize pool of $80.00 per player.

- Lunch following the final round.

- Awards will be presented as each division completes play.

 

Practice Rounds: This is a busy time of the year. Book your practice round as soon as the booking window opens.

- Tee times are available on March 26 from 10am - 2:00pm for $180.00.

- To book your March 26th practice round call the Desert Willow Pro-Shop at 760-346-7060 ext. 1 and identify yourself as a Golfweek contestant. 

- Practice rounds prior to March 26 can be booked up to 60 days in advance on www.desertwillow.com for the prevailing rate.

 

Accommodations: Are not included in your entry fee. Many options are available in the Palm Desert area. You will need to research and book accommodations on your own. We encourage you to book early as rates are based on availability at the time of booking.

 

Tournament Schedule:  

Thursday - March 26

Optional Practice Round: Not included in registration and must be booked in advance (see above) 

 

Thursday - March 26

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tournament headquarters and registration in the Willows Room. 

 

Friday - March 27

Round 1 - 7:05 AM Starting on No.1 tee.

 

Saturday - March 28

Round 2 - 7:05 AM Starting on No.1 tee.

 

Sunday - March 29

Round 3 - 7:05 AM Starting on No.1 tee.

- Lunch Buffet

- Awards presentation immediately following the completion of play.

- Departures

 

Helpful Links: Desert Willow Golf Club

Lodging Options: VRBO 

 

Contact Us:  

Ron Gaines, Senior Tournaments & Senior Rankings: rgaines@golfweek.com

 

Cancellation Policy:

Deadline to register: March 22, 2026, or until the field is full.

Prior to February 26, 2026: 100% refund minus $100 cancellation fee.

February 27, 2026 - March 8, 2026: 50% refund.

After March 6, 2026:  No Refund - Please Note: These dates coincide with our payments to Desert Willow GC so there are NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not withdraw yourself using the Golf Genius application. We are not notified, and you are cleared from the portal losing the opportunity for a refund if applicable. All withdrawals from the tournament MUST go through Ron Gaines, rgaines@golfweek.com in order to receive a refund - NO EXCEPTIONS.  Thank you.

 

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