TUCSON, Ariz. – The 120-player field for the second annual Casino Del Sol Golf Classic from March 31-April 3 has been finalized by the Epson Tour, as the “Road to the LPGA” returns to Sewailo Golf Club.
Individuals will compete in a 72-hole, stroke-play format for $200,000 and a winner’s share of $30,000. A cut will be made to the top-60 competitors plus ties after 36 holes. Tournament admission is free.
Two tournament sponsor exemptions with Arizona ties highlight the field including Krystal Quihuis from Tucson and Abbey Schutte, an amateur out of Goodyear. Quihuis is a University of Arizona alumna and made her most recent Epson Tour start at the 2021 Twin Bridges Championship.
“I’m so grateful for Casino Del Sol and the Epson Tour providing this opportunity for me to get back into the sport I love,” said Quihuis. “Last season was tough for me, and I stepped away from the game. Then I took three months off without even thinking about golf, just was not my usual self. Support from family, my boyfriend, swing coach and friends really sparked my desire to compete and positive personality.”
Quihuis is also one of four former Wildcats among the competition, joined by Alejandra Llaneza, Haley Moore and Gigi Stoll. In 2018, Moore and Stoll led the Arizona women’s golf team to the program’s first national championship since 2000. Sewailo is also the home course for both the men’s and women’s golf teams at UA.
“There are so many memories from my time at the University of Arizona and it means so much to return to the Tucson area as a professional,” said. Llaneza, a 2009 All-Pac 12 Second Team selection. “This city, the university really prepared me for the next level, and I will always cherish the Wildcats family. Coming back to Tucson and Sewailo is special in so many ways and I hope to add to the good vibes this week.”
Casino Del Sol Golf Classic defending champion Ruixin Liu ended the 2021 season inside the Race for the Card top 10 to earn LPGA Tour membership for 2022. But two of the three tournament winners on the Epson Tour this season have made the trek to Pima County including last week’s IOA Championship pres. by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa champion Linnea Strom.
“My game is in a great spot, especially from where I was a year ago,” said Strom. “The win in Beaumont provided a lot of confidence for this event and the rest of the season. I went to Arizona State, so I know the desert courses around Arizona and really feel comfortable playing them. It’s like a second home to me. Combine everything and I’m excited for the Casino Del Sol Golf Classic.”
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