The field for the 2024 Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship has been set, and fans can expect to see some notable players tee it up in Connecticut next week. The second annual tournament will take place from June 12-14 at Sacred Heart’s Great River Golf Club in Milford, Conn. The Epson Tour is now over halfway through the season, with eight events remaining, making the competition stronger and the stakes higher.
“We are so proud to invest in our communities and welcome the Epson Tour back to Connecticut - the official qualifying tour of the LPGA,” said Karen Goyette, EVP and Chief Strategy Transformation Officer for Hartford HealthCare. “One of Hartford HealthCare’s core values is Equity. We are focused on making sure that the very best care is delivered to all those who need it; and on providing opportunities to those who have been underrepresented for too long. The LPGA and the Epson Tour align perfectly with Hartford HealthCare’s values and mission. We are so proud to be a part of elevating the sport and these talented women who are following their dreams to be among the best in the world at what they do. As a health care leader, and someone who loves the game of golf, I believe in the shared vision of these two organizations that help support young women on their path to excellence.”
One of the biggest names that will be competing for the 2024 title is defending champion, Jenny Bae. The 2023 tournament was the Georgia native’s second start on the Epson Tour and her first as a professional, winning it in dramatic fashion via a seven-hole playoff. Bae went on to win back-to-back, hoisting the only other trophy in the Northeast stretch, the Twin Bridges Championship, in a five-hole playoff.
“I’m excited to go back and compete in the Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship,” said Bae. “I feel confident that I can do well, especially winning my first Epson Tour tournament there. Hopefully, I can feel comfortable when I’m back on the course.”
Other notable names joining Bae include Race for the Card leader, Fiona Xu and the Epson Tour’s most recent champion, Kathleen Scavo. Nine of the 11 2024 Epson Tour champions, and the entire top 15 in the Race for the Card standings will also be competing. With 500 points on the line, a win could put any athlete closer to achieving their dream of playing on the LPGA Tour.
Additionally, two athletes received special exemptions into the tournament, allowing them the opportunity to test their game amongst some of the best golfers in the world. Anna Berman (née Appert Lund) is no stranger to the Epson Tour, making her rookie debut in 2017, and knows what it takes to compete. Having seen the talent grow, Berman understands the weight a sponsor exemption has and looks to make her first cut of the season. France’s Margot Rouquette also received an exemption and is familiar with the golf course. The Sacred Heart University senior has spent a lot of time at Great River Golf Club, the home of the Pioneer’s Women’s Golf team and will soon be the Assistant Golf Pro. On the course in 2024, the 23-year-old won the individual title at the Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship.
“I am so thankful that I received the sponsor exemption and that I have the opportunity to play at the Hartford Healthcare Women’s Championship,” said Berman. “I am looking forward to playing against some of the best players on tour. It’s an incredible opportunity and I, and everyone who receives these exemptions, truly appreciate it.”
Tickets for the tournament are on sale now, starting at $12 and can be purchased HERE. All tickets proceeds will go to the First Tee of Connecticut to help grow the game and make it more accessible to the younger generations. For more information about the 2024 tournament, please visit https://www.hhcwomenschamp.com/.
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