7^TH US SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Qualifying

Friday, July 11, 2025 – Royal Golf Club, Lake Elmo, Minn.

 

Notice to Competitors

 

HOST CLUB INFORMATION

Royal Golf Club                        General Manager/Head Professional:      Kent Blaschko

11455 - 20th Street North           GCSAA Superintendent:                        Mike Sonnek         

Lake Elmo, MN 55042                      

Golf Shop:  651/505-9050

Website:  https://royalclubmn.com/

 

FORMAT/QUALIFYING PLACES:  Format is 18-holes, stroke play. Contestants will compete for qualifying places and two alternate positions in the 7^th US Senior Women’s Open Championship to be played August 21-24, at the San Diego Country Club, Chula Vista, Calif.  The number of qualifying spots is as follows:

 

                   Spots:                   2                       Alternates:           2                

 

Playoffs:  In the event of a tie for the qualifying place(s) or any alternate position(s), a hole-by-hole playoff will be held immediately following the completion of play.

 

USGA Groove Policy – MODEL LOCAL RULE G-2:  In making a stroke, the player must use clubs that conform to the groove and punch mark specifications in the Equipment Rules that took effect on 1 January, 2010.

 

There is no penalty under this Local Rule for carrying but not making a stroke with a club which does not conform to these groove and punch mark specifications.

 

PENALTY FOR MAKING A STROKE WITH CLUB IN BREACH OF CONDITION: Disqualification.

 

EXCEPTION - Ping EYE 2 Clubs:  Ping EYE 2 irons manufactured prior to 31 March, 1990, with a groove spacing to groove width ratio of 2.3 to 1 are allowed for play under the Rules of Golf even when this Local Rule in in effect.  The player is responsible for proving when the club was manufactured.  If the player cannot do so, the club must conform to the groove and punch mark specifications that took effect on 1 January, 2010.

 

IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS CLOSE TO PUTTING GREENS – MODEL LOCAL RULE F-5:  This Model Local Rule IS NOT in effect during the qualifying.

 

Distance Measuring Devices:  Per the USGA Terms of Competition, distance measuring devices ARE PERMITTED; however, a device must measure DISTANCE ONLY.  Please be sure any functionality is turned off.

 

Pace of Play:  The Pace of Play policy posted on the Qualifying webpage is in effect.  It is the player’s responsibility to know the policy.

 

Starting Times:  There will be no change in the starting times established by the Committee other than by decision of the Committee due to weather conditions.

 

Course Set-Up:  Click HERE to view the anticipated course setup.  NOTE: Setup is a combination of the RED and GOLD yardages, except for Hole #13 which will play as a 466 yard, par 5, making the par 73.

 

PRACTICE ROUND AVAILABILITY:  Practice rounds are available for $65 (riding) Tuesday-Friday.  (NOTE: Carts ARE NOT permitted in the Qualifying proper.) To schedule a practice round, please contact either Jeff Hartman (Head Professional; 651/334-6852) or Cooper Loew (Staff Professional; 952/843-3610) and identify yourself as a U.S. Senior Women’s Open Qualifying contestant. 

 

Practice Range:  The practice range will be open 60 minutes prior to the first starting time.

 

Caddies and Carts:  Royal GC will not have caddies available but does have push carts and a limited number of electronic walking carts.  You may bring your own caddie if you wish to use one, or you may carry your own bag.  The use of motorized carts is prohibited during all phases of the Championship unless prior authorization is made through the USGA for a condition covered by the ADA. 

 

Footwear Policy:  As stated on the official entry form, shoes with traditionally-designed spikes (regardless of composition) or spikes, regardless of design, comprised either entirely or partially of metal (when such metal comes in contact with the surface of the putting green) are prohibited.  Penalty for breach of this condition: DISQUALIFICATION.  (There will not be provisions to have your spikes changed on the day of the event at the host facility.)

 

Dress Code:  Contestants and caddies must be neat in appearance.  Bermuda length shorts may be worn.  Denim and blue jeans, short shorts, tee shirts, and tank tops are prohibited.  Shirts must have collars.  The Committee will decide whether this requirement has been met.  The dress code applies to the caddies as well as the players.  A player will be held responsible for the appearance of his caddie.

 

Food Service:  There will be food and beverage service available during the qualifying at the Clubhouse.  Cash and credit cards are permitted.

 

OFFICIAL-IN-CHARGE:

Doug Hoffmann, MGA Director of Rules & Competitions

6550 York Avenue South, Suite 411

Edina, MN  55435

Cell:  612/964-4249

Email: Doug@mngolf.org