The strongest field in history will tee off this morning for the 100th Women's State Amateur at the Salt Lake Country Club.
Eight former champions are in the field, which will feature the largest gathering of lower handicap golfers the tournament has seen.
Because it is the 100th edition of the tournament that began in 1900 and because it is being played at the country club, the interest for this year's tourney was the highest ever.
On the first day for entries, 252 applications were received.
The only problem was, only 114 can play in the tourney. Because the only way to limit the field was by handicaps, the lowest handicaps were accepted.
Tournament organizers figured golfers with handicaps of about 18 and under would be able to play and were surprised that the handicap cutoff was 14.2. The highest handicap in the championship flight is 4.4.
"The best of the best will be represented," said State Amateur co-chair Patty Brimley, who added that it was "unfortunate" the field had to be limited.
Several women who have supported the tournament for years won't be playing this week because their handicaps weren't low enough.
"They're very disappointed they weren't able to get in," said State Amateur co-chair Margaret Nay. "But we had to make some restrictions and limit it to the lowest handicaps."
While some players were upset about not being able to play, many will still be a part of it.
"They've been so supportive," said Nay. "I've gotten calls from women who said, 'I can't play, but I'd like to help.' They are thrilled to be a part of it."
The 54-hole tournament features three days of stroke play at the country club.
The lowest handicap golfers will tee off early on Monday and be re-paired the next two days, with the leaders playing late on Wednesday.
Among the top players are defending champion Rachel Newren and former champions Sue Nyhus, Terry Hansen, Tenille Slack and Lachell Poffenberger.
Other top contenders include Lynsey Myers, Natalie Stone, Amy Mombert, Annette Gaiotti, Camille Gardner, Karen Killpack, Jessica Thomas, Tori Fishburn, Heidi Kim, Tricia Olson and Sharon Briggs.
Hall of Fame golfer Patty Sheehan was the guest speaker at Sunday night's Centennial Dinner at the country club.
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