Women's Amateur Championship
Two members of the Columbia women's golf team, rising junior Sarah Shao and rising sophomore Kristina Xu, have earned spots in the 126th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, which is scheduled to begin on August 4, 2026. Both athletes showcased strong performances in their respective qualifying rounds, securing their places in the 156-player field. Shao, a rising junior, shared medalist honors at an 18-hole qualifier at Copper Hill Country Club on June 23. Her score of 4-under-par 68 placed her among the top performers, tying with three others. This will be her second appearance at the championship, having received a direct exemption in 2025 after she won the 100th New Jersey Women's Amateur.
Xu, a rising sophomore, also displayed her skill during her qualifier by posting a 2-under-par 68 at Redlands Country Club in Redlands, California, on June 15. This achievement marks her second time competing in the U.S. Women's Amateur, as she previously qualified in 2024. Last season, Xu made history by setting a new single-season stroke average record for the Columbia women's golf program, finishing with an average of 73.50. Her impressive play earned her the 2025-26 William Terminello Award, which honors the team's Most Valuable Player.
U.S. Women's Amateur Championship Format and Timeline
The U.S. Women's Amateur Championship is structured around several stages. From August 4 to August 5, all 156 players will participate in two rounds of stroke play, totaling 36 holes. After those rounds, the field will be trimmed to the lowest 64 scorers. Beginning on August 6 and running through August 8, the remaining players will compete in five rounds of single-elimination match play. The tournament will conclude on August 9 with a 36-hole final match to crown this year's champion.
How to Follow the Championship
Golf fans can tune in to the action as Xu tees off in the First Round at 9:15 a.m. ET on August 4. Shao will take to the course later that day at 2:15 p.m. The Golf Channel will offer live and recorded coverage starting on Thursday, August 6. For up-to-the-minute news, real-time scores, and a complete live leaderboard, fans are encouraged to visit the official USGA U.S. Women's Amateur Championship Portal. More details about the event are available on the USGA Championship page.
For those interested in learning more about the Columbia women's golf team and their accomplishments, the GoColumbiaLions.com website offers in-depth updates and highlights. Supporters can also follow the team's social media accounts, including @CULionsWGolf on Facebook, X, and Instagram, to stay connected with the latest developments.