Three juniors from around the country have been chosen as winners of the Youth Poster Design Contest for the 78th U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links, which will be contested July 6-9.
“This contest is the perfect way to engage kids, not only in Monterey and our essential local communities, but also nationwide,” said Allison Burns, director, U.S. Women’s Open. “We were thrilled to see a record number of creative entries for this year’s poster design contest. This is another example of the discernable excitement surrounding this year’s U.S. Women’s Open. Congratulations to our creative and talented winners – we can’t wait to share their artwork on-site during championship week for all to admire!”
The winners’ designs will be printed and distributed to juniors who attend the U.S. Women’s Open, and will also be available at a variety of special events leading up to championship week. In addition, winning designs will be uniquely featured on-site at Pebble Beach.
The winners are as follows:
Elise Ambaza, 12, of Piscataway, N.J.
Lizzy Small, 15, of Queen Creek, Ariz.
Alison Zhang, 10, of Cerritos, Calif.
“When I saw that the U.S. Women’s Open was taking place at Pebble Beach this year, I wanted to bring to life the breathtaking seventh hole with a postcard-inspired design,” said Lizzy Small, who attends Crismon High School in Queen Creek, Arizona. “I was so surprised and grateful to learn I won the contest, and most excited to find out my family gets to attend the championship and see all the strong female role models. I can’t wait to see my favorites in action!”
In its continued effort to support junior access to the game, the USGA will conduct several on-site activities at Pebble Beach during championship week:
- The Junior Experience featuring LPGA*USGA Girls Golf will be located in Fan Central and include various activities such as arts & crafts, giveaways and prizes, chipping & putting areas and an exercise station.
- A 9-Hole Scavenger Hunt will allow juniors to navigate the golf course and experience the championship in an engaging way while in search of clues that lead to a prize that can be redeemed at the merchandise tent.
- Junior Viewing Areas will be roped off around tees and greens throughout the golf course, allowing youngsters to watch the world’s best from the front row.
- A dedicated Junior Selfie-Zone to encourage engagement with the world’s best players after the completion of their rounds.
All youths age 17 and under receive complimentary admission to the championship with a ticket-holding adult. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Considered the world’s premier women’s golf championship, the U.S. Women’s Open is one of 15 national championships conducted annually by the USGA. The championship was first conducted in 1946 and past winners include Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright, Hollis Stacy, Amy Alcott, Meg Mallon, Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak, Juli Inkster, Karrie Webb, Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Inbee Park and Michelle Wie.
