Old Barnwell Selected to Host the Women's Western Junior Championship in 2028

GLENVIEW, Ill. – The Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) and the Western Golf Association (WGA) have announced that Old Barnwell in Aiken, South Carolina, will host the Women’s Western Junior Championship in June 2028. The championship’s debut at Old Barnwell represents a landmark moment for both organizations, pairing one of golf’s most distinctive new venues with one of the game’s most prestigious junior championships.

First played in 1920, the Women’s Western Junior Championship is among the oldest junior golf tournaments in the United States. Conducted annually by the WGA and WWGA, the championship features an elite international field, with many competitors going on to play at the Division I collegiate level and beyond.

“We are thrilled to bring the Women’s Western Junior to Old Barnwell for the first time,” said WWGA President Susan Buchanan. “This championship has a long tradition of showcasing the rising stars of junior golf, and Old Barnwell’s bold design and commitment to growing the game make it an exceptional stage.”

Designed by Brian Schneider and Blake Conant, Old Barnwell opened in 2023 across 575 acres of sandy soil, rolling hills and towering pines. Schneider and Conant blended strategic, modern golf course design with elements of classic golf architecture to create a distinctive playing experience. The club also features a 15-hole kids’ course and plans to unveil a third course, The Gilroy, in 2027.

With a mission to bring people together through golf, Old Barnwell strives to empower, invite and celebrate individuals and communities historically underrepresented in the game. Central to that mission is a strong partnership with the WGA’s Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) though a youth caddie program that provides a pathway for high school students to earn full tuition and housing college scholarships. The club also supports several impactful initiatives, including the ANNIKA Development Program, Voorhees University, Operation Double Eagle and local youth clinics.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the world’s best young female golfers to Old Barnwell,” said Old Barnwell founder Nick Schreiber. “This championship reflects what we believe in — a strong commitment to women’s golf and a continued partnership with the WGA, ESF and WWGA.”

In addition to hosting the 2028 Women’s Western Junior Championship, Old Barnwell will welcome other premier events, including the NCAA Regionals in 2027 and the 2031 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball.

“Hosting the Women’s Western Junior at Old Barnwell marks an exciting moment for the championship,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “The course will provide a strong test for the world’s top junior players, and we’re proud to partner with Old Barnwell to showcase the championship at such an outstanding venue while continuing our commitment to delivering an exceptional player experience.”

An international field of 78 players will compete for the historic Icely Trophy and exemptions into other elite events. The competition begins with 36 holes of stroke play over the first two days, after which the field is cut to the low 16 players who advance to match play to determine the champion.

Long regarded as a proving ground for future stars, the event boasts an impressive list of past champions, including Candie Kung (1998), Cristie Kerr (1994), Grace Park (1993) and Nancy Lopez (1972, 1973, 1974).

Alumni of the championship have combined for 218 LPGA Tour wins, 10 Solheim Cup appearances and six major championships.

Future Women’s Western Junior Sites

• 2026 – Meridian Hills Country Club, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 8-12)


• 2027 – Park Ridge Country Club, Park Ridge, Illinois (June 7-11)


• 2028 – Old Barnwell, Aiken, South Carolina (June 5-9)