A new era in women’s golf teed off this weekend at the Georgia Women’s Open presented by The East Coast Women’s Professional Golf Tour (ECWPGT) and Mizuno Golf at the University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens.  The Georgia PGA teamed with the ECWPGT, a women’s professional golf developmental tour to raise the level of the premier women’s event in Georgia.  Ji Eun Baik of Cumming, Ga lead wire-to-wire claim the 28^th edition of the championship with a two-stroke victory over amateur Nataliya Guseva of Coral Gables, Fl.

Baik, the 2018 Georgia Women’s Open Champion became just the fourth player with multiple wins in the 28-year history of the event. Baik opened round one with a 4-under par 68 to lead by one over professional Elizabeth Moon of Orlando, Fl.  Guseva fired a second round 2-under par 70 to close within one shot of Baik heading into today’s final round. Both went out in even-par 35 and played steady golf on the back nine, but ultimately Baik was able to pull away for the victory and the $2,500 first place check.  For her efforts, Guseva was awarded Low Amateur honors.

Rounding out the top five was a trio tied for third including Moon, professional Victoria Huskey from Greenville, Sc, and amateur Thanana Kotchasanmanee of Rome.  Kotchasanmanee also captured the Georgia PGA Junior Championship at the UGA Golf Course in early June.

ABOUT THE EAST COAST WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOUR:

The East Coast Women’s Professional Golf Tour was launched in 2022 with the dual missions of creating more and better playing opportunities for those aspiring to the LPGA Tour and creating connections outside the ropes for when their competitive days are over.  The ECWPGT is one of only three developmental tours for women professionals.  While open to players from anywhere, the ECWPGT brings professional golf tournaments to the players, particularly those on the eastern part of the country for whom few opportunities existed before without extensive travel.  The ECWPGT is open primarily to the developmental professional players rising toward the LPGA, including all Epson Tour players, but does not currently allow LPGA Members unless returning from injury or maternity leave.  The tour will accept amateur players ages 15 and over on a waitlist basis as space permits. The tour’s website www.ECWPGT.com.

ABOUT MIZUNO USA:

Sports are powerful. They inspire us to come together as a team, to push our limits, to grow in strength, to achieve what we didn't think possible. At Mizuno, we believe there is potential in everyone to transform their life through dedication to sport. And we believe through our combined love of sports, we can make the world a better place. 

ABOUT THE GEORGIA PGA:

The Georgia PGA is one of the 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Its membership includes nearly 890 PGA professionals working at over 260 golf courses, clubs, and ranges throughout the state. Additionally, more than 35 Georgia PGA members compete on one of the PGA Tours. In keeping with the fundamental objectives laid down by its founders, one of the Georgia PGA's primary goals is promoting the game of golf through clinics, junior and minority golf programs, consumer programs, and print, radio, and television media.