Full Breakdown
Women's Golf Season Kicks Off at Leadership & Golf Invitational
9/15/2025, 12:36:40 PM
Overview of the Leadership & Golf Invitational
The 2025-26 women's golf season officially begins with the Leadership & Golf Invitational, taking place on September 15-16 at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Washington. Co-hosted by Seattle University and the University of Washington, this tournament features a competitive field of 16 teams, including notable programs such as Colorado, Oregon State, and Fresno State. The event will follow a shotgun start format, with play commencing at 8 a.m. PT on both days.
Participating Teams and Key Players
Among the teams participating, the University of Washington's women's golf team returns five players from last season, including Carmen Lim, Mads Smith, and Wendy Tang, who have been recognized as Big Ten preseason golfers to watch. First-year head coach Anna Temple has also added senior transfer Claudia Alnajim to the roster. The Colorado Buffaloes, under head coach Madeleine Sheils, are fielding a new lineup with three returners and four newcomers, including true freshmen Brenna Higgins and Teemapat Pateetin, and junior transfer Maya McVey.
The Little Rock Trojans, led by head coach Mike Birch, are also competing, having recently faced challenges in their season opener at Purdue. Birch expressed optimism about his team's resilience and preparation for the demanding course at Chambers Bay. The Eastern Michigan Eagles, who recently captured both team and individual titles at their season opener, will look to build on that momentum as they return to the Leadership & Golf Invitational after finishing 14th last year.
Tournament Format and Expectations
The tournament will consist of three rounds, with the first two rounds played on Monday and the final round on Tuesday. Teams will compete for the lowest combined score, and live scoring will be available throughout the event. Each participating team aims to improve upon their previous performances, with many looking to capitalize on returning talent and new recruits.
Fresno State, which finished 15th in last year's event, is hoping to leverage the experience of returning players like Amelia Garibaldi and Katelyn Lehigh while integrating new freshmen into the lineup. The Bulldogs will face stiff competition from established programs, making consistency and teamwork essential for success.
Broader Implications for the Season
The Leadership & Golf Invitational serves as a critical early-season indicator for teams as they set the tone for the remainder of the year. With many programs undergoing significant roster changes, the tournament will provide insights into team dynamics and individual performances. Coaches and players alike are eager to see how their preparations translate into competitive play.
What's Next
Following the Leadership & Golf Invitational, teams will continue their fall schedules with various tournaments, including the Golfweek Red Sky Classic and the Jackson T. Stephens Cup. These events will further test the teams' abilities and help shape their trajectories for the remainder of the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This group is hard-working and really committed to being great teammates and bringing their best effort every day.” — Madeleine Sheils, Head Coach, Colorado
- “That course was difficult and the field challenging. I think we learned a lot from that tournament.” — Mike Birch, Head Coach, Little Rock
The Leadership & Golf Invitational promises to be an exciting start to the women's golf season, showcasing emerging talent and established programs in a competitive environment.
