The 2026 LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Championship presented by Marie Birdie will be one to remember, as 141 junior amateur golfers compete at the historic Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club. And for the first time in its three-year history, the tournament will be extra memorable for the Bell National division, with the winner receiving an exemption into the Epson Tour’s Dream First Bank Charity Classic, located in Garden City, Kan., in late August.

“We are thrilled to award the 2026 Bell National division winner with an Epson Tour exemption,” said Liz Cooper, Executive Director of LPGA Professionals and Foundation. “Over three years, the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Championship presented by Marie Birdie has seen tremendous growth, and that wouldn’t be possible without the support of Marie Birdie and the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls Golf Tour. The future of women’s golf is bright, and the Epson Tour exemption being awarded this year further proves that.”

Two-time champion, Riley Grimm, headlines the field of 63 athletes in the Bell National division, along with Baker Hudson, who finished third in 2025. Riley, a Pinehurst, N.C., native is currently 85th in the Rolex AJGA Rankings and has notched two top-10 finishes on the AJGA this season, with a season-best T2 at the Will Lowrey Junior Championship presented by Jordan Golf.

“It feels so great to be back here again. Obviously, Pine Needles is an incredible golf course, but this event is unlike any other,” said Riley. “It’s just a good balance of seeing people I know but also getting to meet new people from all over the world, which is really, really cool. That’s honestly been the most special part about this championship, all the relationships I’ve formed out here.”

The rest of the 141-player field represents 17 countries and 25 states, showcasing global talent among the young athletes.

“The Epson Tour is proud to offer the winner of the 2026 LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Championship, Bell National division, an exemption into the Dream First Bank Charity Classic,” said Jody Brothers, GM of the Epson Tour. “We are proud to see the game grow, and through pathways like LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and the Epson Tour, it will only get stronger.”

The field teed off on Tuesday, June 7th, with the Bell National division set to play 54-holes of competition, wrapping up on Thursday, June 9th. Live scoring can be found HERE.

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Championship Makes History with Epson Tour Exemption

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