EDDY PRATHER
Cross Timbers Golf Course will serve as the site of a prestigious national golf qualifying event Wednesday, May 13, when the course hosts an official U.S. Women’s Open qualifying tournament conducted by the United States Golf Association.
The event is listed by the host course as the “U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier” and by the Texas Golf Association as “U.S. Women’s Open Qualifying.” The one-stage, 36-hole qualifier is part of the road to the 81st U.S. Women's Open scheduled for June 4-7 at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
Official tournament documents show a 78-player field competing in 36 holes of individual stroke play with two qualifying spots and two alternate positions available. A rain date has been scheduled for May 14.
This is not simply a local or state tournament. The qualifier is part of the official USGA championship process, with qualifying held at 26 sites nationwide. Players advancing from the Cross Timbers site will earn a berth into one of the most prestigious championships in women’s golf.
According to the official player packet, ties for the final qualifying spots will be decided through a hole-by-hole playoff immediately following regulation play.
The field reflects the growing international reach of women’s golf. Of the 78 entrants, 47 are listed as amateurs. While Texas players make up the majority of the field with 48 entrants, competitors are also traveling from around the world, including Australia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Myanmar, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea and Thailand.
Austin leads all Texas cities with eight published hometown entries.
The tournament also carries a strong local connection.
Springtown High School sophomore golfer Dixie Mae Crain is part of the field after another standout high school season. Crain recently finished fourth at the UIL Class 4A State Tournament and has qualified for the state championship in each of her first two seasons at SHS.
Cross Timbers is also Crain’s home course, giving local golf fans a chance to watch one of Parker County’s rising stars compete against elite amateur and professional talent on familiar fairways.
Another notable local connection is Angela Stanford, a Boswell High School and TCU graduate, and current member of the LPGA Tour.
Matt Somerfield, CTGC general manager, said the first tee time will be at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. The public is welcome to watch — walking only — and there is no cost to attend.
The qualifier is expected to bring players, families and golf supporters from across Texas and beyond to Azle, further spotlighting the growing reputation of Cross Timbers as a championship-caliber venue.
