Guilderland Celebrates Lauren Stephenson’s Thrilling Win at the 2024 Twin Bridges Championship
This past Sunday, July 21, 2023, the beautiful Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland played host to an exciting finish at the 2024 Twin Bridges Championship. Epson Tour golfer Lauren Stephenson from Lexington, South Carolina, stole the show with a spectacular birdie on the 18th hole, clinching the championship title in nail-biting style. It was a win that not only added another trophy to her collection but also thrilled the local crowd, who were eager to witness some fantastic golf.
The Long-Standing Tradition
The Twin Bridges Championship isn’t just any golf tournament; it’s the longest-running event on the Epson Tour, which is the official feeder circuit for the LPGA. This tournament has a rich history, having brought professional women golfers to the Albany area since 1983, with only a couple of years off in 1999 and 2020. The love for the game and the commitment to female athletes shines through as Guilderland prepares to host this event for the 40th consecutive year, a testament to the region’s dedication to golf.
The Future Looks Bright
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as tournament director Jim Miller has confirmed that he will be back to lead the charge for 2025, which is set for July 20-22. After facing some challenges with fundraising, Miller expressed a determined spirit to move forward and make the next tournament even better. The community has his back, and the passion for this event keeps growing. It’s clear that people are excited about what’s in store.
Support from the Epson Tour
Jody Brothers, who oversees business and operations at the Epson Tour, didn’t miss the chance to commend Miller for his relentless efforts. The tour’s commitment to returning next year is a huge relief for local fans, ensuring that Guilderland remains a hotspot for aspiring female golfers. The location’s charm, coupled with the high quality of Pinehaven’s course, makes the region an ideal destination for both players and spectators alike.
A Look Back at This Year’s Championship
This year marked the fifth consecutive occasion that the tournament took place at Pinehaven. The purse for this year was an impressive $237,500, with expectations for it to rise to around $250,000 for the next tournament. The increase in prize money is a clear nod to the support and enthusiasm that local businesses and fans have for the event.
Changing Names and New Opportunities
Exciting changes are also on the horizon! After the acquisition of Twin Bridges by Casella Waste Systems, the tournament will be renamed to the Casella Golf Championship next year. This change signifies a fresh chapter while maintaining the tournament’s legacy. And while fundraising can be tricky, especially in gaining corporate sponsorship, the move to rename the tournament is likely to bring in new partnerships and opportunities moving forward.
Bridging the Gap
Despite some ups and downs, Guilderland and the Epson Tour’s commitment to women’s golf remains unwavering. With the future looking bright and Lauren Stephenson leading the pack, the Twin Bridges—now the Casella Golf Championship—provides a platform for emerging talents to shine. Here’s to another great year of golf, community support, and high hopes for 2025!
