BEAUMONT, CA. — The 120-player field for the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort and Spa has been finalized by the Epson Tour. The “Road to the LPGA” makes its second stop during a three-week, west coast stretch in the Golden State from March 24-26. The 9th annual tournament will be played at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon.
Individuals will compete in a 54-hole, stroke-play format for $200,000 and a winner’s share of $30,000. A cut will be made to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes. Tournament admission is free.
"We are proud to sponsor the 9th annual IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort and Spa this week in Beaumont," said John Tenuto, Division President of IOA Insurance Services. "The athletes on the Epson Tour work extremely hard to achieve their dreams, and we are happy to be a part of their Road to the LPGA."
The two 2023 champions will tee it up in Beaumont this week. Gabriela Ruffels will tee it up following her win at the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic.
“I’m looking forward to going back to Beaumont. I had a good result there a couple of years ago, and I’ll be staying at home which is nice,” said Ruffels. “I’m looking forward to the event.”
Linnea Strom, 2022 IOA Championship winner, will not defend her title in 2023, as she graduated from the Epson Tour and returns to the LPGA Tour. However, all three athletes who finished tied for second, three strokes behind Strom, will return to the field. Sarah Jane Smith, Milagros Chaves, and Sophie Hausmann will try to settle unfinished business in Beaumont this week.
“Coming into Beaumont always brings back some good memories,” said Hausmann. “I’ve definitely had a good past two years out here - some success, good memories and fun times. I played some good golf and that’s what I’ll try to bring into this week. I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited and we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
*Distance in relation to the course
Shopping: Walgreens (4 miles), Walmart (7 miles), CVS (9 miles), T.J. Maxx (9 miles), Cabazon Outlets (14 miles), Target (15 miles)
Dining: Fire Rock Burgers and Brews (2 miles), Starbucks (4 miles), Fiesta Tacos (5 miles), Thai Chili Restaurant & Sushi (5 miles), Chipotle (6 miles), Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers (7 miles), In-N-Out Burger (7 miles), Dutch Bros Coffee (9 miles)
Entertainment: Retrovolt Arcade (5 miles), Edward-Dean Museum and Gardens (7 miles), Wildwood Canyon State Park (8 miles)
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