Monterey Country Club Hosts Annual College Golf Tournament

What started as an emergency backup plan has become a new tradition in California.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Alice and John Wallace Women's Golf Classic, hosted by Long Beach State's women's golf team, is returning to Monterey Country Club for the second year. The tournament, which features top-ranked teams and players, was originally created in 2024 when Long Beach State's home course was flooded. The event has quickly grown, with 16 teams and 96 players competing this year. Monterey Country Club's members have embraced the tournament, providing volunteers and housing for many of the teams.

Why it matters

The tournament's growth highlights how an emergency backup plan can turn into a new tradition that benefits the local community. Monterey Country Club has been able to showcase its course to top collegiate golfers, while also engaging its members to support the event. This type of college tournament can help raise the profile of the sport and inspire the next generation of golfers.

The details

The Alice and John Wallace Women's Golf Classic will take place from Saturday through Monday at Monterey Country Club. The 16-team field includes several top-ranked programs such as No. 2 USC, No. 11 UCLA, Cal, San Jose State, Fresno State, and host Long Beach State. The tournament first came to Monterey in 2024 when Long Beach State's home course was flooded, and it has quickly grown into an annual tradition. Monterey Country Club has embraced the event, with over 100 member volunteers and 10 of the 16 teams being housed at member homes.

  • The tournament first came to Monterey Country Club in 2024.
  • The 2025 tournament featured a 21-team field.
  • This year's tournament, the second at Monterey, has a 16-team field.

The players

Kaitlyn Ellis

Monterey Country Club head professional and former Division I college player at Fresno State.

Al Taylor

A Monterey Country Club member who volunteered at last year's tournament.

Chip Owens

Head golf course superintendent at Monterey Country Club.

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What they’re saying

“You are closing the golf course for three days, but of course we have the South (nine) open for the members. The volunteers, we had over 100 volunteers from the members. We have walking scorers with every group, spotters, shuttlers. So the community has really embraced it.”

— Kaitlyn Ellis, Monterey Country Club head professional

“If that's the future of our country, we are in good shape.”

— Al Taylor, Monterey Country Club member

What’s next

The 2026 Alice and John Wallace Women's Golf Classic will take place from Saturday, February 15 through Monday, February 17 at Monterey Country Club.

The takeaway

What started as an emergency backup plan has turned into an annual tradition that showcases Monterey Country Club's course and engages the local community. The tournament's growth highlights how innovative solutions can lead to new opportunities that benefit both the participants and the host venue.