For the fourth time since 1987, the Big West Women’s Golf Championship will take place in Hawai‘i. The event is scheduled for April 18–21, 2026, at Kā’anapali Golf Courses and will be hosted by the University of Hawai‘i. Nine teams from the Big West Conference are set to compete in a three-day stroke play tournament, with 18 holes played each day. The championship winner will secure an automatic berth to the NCAA Regional field, while individual and team performances may also earn at-large selections.
Participating teams include Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, CSUN, Hawai‘i, Long Beach State, UC Davis, UC Irvine and UC Riverside.
Reflecting on recent history, Cal State Fullerton claimed its first Big West title during the 2024-25 season and advanced through both NCAA Regionals and Championships. UC Davis also earned a team bid that year. Three individuals qualified for NCAA Regionals: Kaitlyn Zermeno Smith from Cal State Fullerton—who is expected to defend her individual title—and twin sisters Janae and Jasmine Leovao from Long Beach State. Jasmine Leovao has previously been named a first-team selection twice and won back-to-back individual medals at the Big West Championship in 2023 and 2024.
Four of last year’s five all-tournament team members are returning for this championship, as well as nine of the top ten finishers from last year’s event.
Karl Reul, general manager of Kā’anapali Golf Courses said: “Kā’anapali’s year-round investment in junior golf is a defining part of our community’s identity. Hosting The Big West Women’s Golf Championship allows us to further showcase that commitment, while sharing the spirit of aloha with a national audience.”
Julie Brooks, head coach of Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine women’s golf team added: “Royal Kā’anapali is a great venue for our championship. It is a true test of one’s game, especially if the trade winds are blowing. I am excited for all of The Big West teams to visit the beautiful island of Maui. Players will enjoy stellar views of Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands.” She continued: “The commitment that Kā’anapali has made to the Hawai’i golf programs has been tremendous. We really appreciate their support, partnership and look forward to hosting more events there in the future.”
The venue offers two championship courses amid resort amenities including hotels and dining options. Kā’anapali is located about 45 minutes by car from Kahului Airport (OGG) and about ten minutes from Kapalua Airport (JHM). Attendance at the tournament is free for walking spectators; parking is available on-site with overflow options nearby for a fee.
Kā’anapali Golf Courses have previously hosted high-profile tournaments such as Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf (1964), Canada Cup (1964), LPGA’s Kemper Open (1982-85), PGA TOUR Champions’ Kā’anapali Classic (1987-2000), SKINS Game (2008-11), and Hawaii High School Athletic Association Golf State Championships across several years.
Kā’anapali Golf Courses are managed by Indigo Sports under Troon—the world’s largest golf hospitality management company operating at over 950 locations worldwide.
The Big West Conference comprises eleven member institutions sponsoring twenty-one sports at NCAA Division I level. Historically, its women’s golf teams have achieved three NCAA team championships along with multiple All-American honors.
