Congratulations to the 2026 Championship Open Winners!
Another successful Championship Open is in the books as ladies from across the country gathered at Barefoot Resort & Golf’s Dye Course in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for two days of competitive individual stroke play on July 10 -11.
The LPGA Amateurs Golf Association Championship Open is an individual stroke-play competition, bringing together players from across the country to compete for championship honors. The event featured two 18-hole rounds played over two days, with competition conducted on both a gross and net score basis. Players competed in a flighted format designed to provide a competitive and rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels, with winners recognized in both Gross and Net categories throughout the field.
Competitors tested their skills on Barefoot Resort & Golf’s Dye Course, one of Pete Dye’s most memorable designs. Bordering the natural white sands of the Carolina Bays, the course combines beauty and strategy with many of the signature features that have defined Dye’s legendary layouts. Native grasses, strategically placed hazards, and challenging shot demands require players to carefully navigate each hole, rewarding thoughtful course management and precision. While the course presents plenty of challenges, its thoughtful design allows players of all abilities to enjoy a true championship golf experience when played from the appropriate set of tees.
After 36 holes of competition, Overall Low Gross and Overall Low Net champions were crowned, along with Gross and Net winners in each flight. Kathy Dearborn (Chicago Metro) captured the Overall Low Gross Championship after posting rounds of 72–81 for a two-day total of 153 (+9). Deborah Sprich (Phoenix Metro) earned Overall Low Net honors with a tournament-best net score of 136 (-8).
We’re celebrating all of our Net and Gross Flight Winners for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament – and a special congratulations to our overall champions:
Overall Low Gross Winner: Kathy Dearborn – Chicago Metro Chapter
Overall Low Net Winner: Deborah Sprich – Phoenix Metro Chapter
Championship Flight:
Low Gross: Sarah Dekraay (Madison WI Chapter)
Low Net: Rebecca Swartz (Madison WI Chapter)
2nd Low Gross: Donna Basil (Palm Springs Chapter)
2nd Low Net: Susan Zhou (Dallas Chapter)
3rd Low Gross: Jane Egan (Myrtle Beach SC Chapter)
3rd Low Net: Mary Riddell (Denver Chapter)
First Flight:
Low Gross: Melissa Miller (Central PA Chapter)
Low Net: Barb Johnson (Central IN Chapter)
2nd Low Gross: Marceia Cox (Nashville Chapter)
2nd Low Net: Denise Rondeau (Boston Chapter)
3rd Low Gross: Val Cunningham (Central IN Chapter)
3rd Low Net: Pam Vickers (Columbus Chapter)
Second Flight:
Low Gross: Johanne Lovejoy (Boston Chapter)
Low Net: Terry Moore (Boston Chapter)
2nd Low Gross: Tammy Kidd (Tucson Chapter)
2nd Low Net: Lisa Bell (Boston Chapter)
3rd Low Gross: Suzanne Parker (Boston Chapter)
3rd Low Net: Marie Greene (Dayton Chapter)
Third Flight:
Low Gross: Judith Mazzitelli (Pittsburg Chapter)
Low Net: Linda Costello (Omaha Chapter)
2nd Low Gross: Denise Olson (Omaha Chapter)
2nd Low Net: Joann Zerbo (Orlando Chapter)
3rd Low Gross: Geetha Neelakantiah (Boston Chapter)
3rd Low Net: Laura Deluc (Boston Chapter)
Fourth Flight:
Low Gross: Barbara Bartoszak (Cape Fear Wilmington Chapter)
Low Net: Pamela Rincones (Cincinnati Chapter)
2nd Low Gross: Brenda Rutledge (Upstate SC Chapter)
2nd Low Net: Aura Arriaga (Omaha Chapter)
3rd Low Gross: Mary Ann Mclaughlin (St. Louis Chapter)
3rd Low Net: Rosemary Haddad (Cincinnati Chapter)
Throughout the weekend members enjoyed friendly competition and the camaraderie that has become a hallmark of the Championship Open. Whether competing for a championship title or striving for a personal best, every participant helped make another memorable tournament at Barefoot Resort & Golf.
Congratulations to all of this year’s champions and thank you to every player, volunteer, and staff member who helped make the 2026 Championship Open a success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for another exciting edition of this annual event.
A special thank you to our partner, Mymo Golf, for creating custom tournament prizes featuring artwork of a hole at The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort. These one-of-a-kind keepsakes gave players a beautiful way to remember an amazing Championship Open!
