PHOENIX, Ariz. – The No. 14 UCLA women’s golf team heads to Papago Golf Club next week for the 60th annual PING/ASU Invitational, a tournament steeped in history and a key test as the Bruins navigate their spring season. Competition begins Monday, March 23, and continues through Wednesday, March 25. This event represents more than just another stop on the schedule; it’s a chance for UCLA to build momentum and reaffirm its position among the nation’s elite programs, particularly against a challenging field that includes No. 2 USC and No. 20 Northwestern.
The PING/ASU Invitational has long been a proving ground for collegiate golfers, and UCLA has a strong track record at the event, having secured the team title six times – second only to host Arizona State. The Bruins will be looking to add another chapter to their successful history at Papago, a course known for its demanding layout and fast greens. The tournament’s format – 54 holes of stroke play, with rounds beginning at 7 a.m. (PT) each day – will test the players’ endurance and consistency.
Leading the charge for UCLA will be a lineup featuring Meghan Royal, Jen Lee, Kacey Ly, Jennifer Seo, and Maye Huang. Lee, currently ranked 24th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) as of March 21, will be a key player for the Bruins. She’s joined by Angela Liu, competing as an individual. The team is coming off a seventh-place finish at the GameAbove Invitational earlier this month, where Royal delivered a standout final round of 4-under 68, finishing tied for sixth overall. That performance signaled a return to form for Royal and provides a positive outlook heading into the PING/ASU Invitational.
A Challenging Field and Course Conditions
The competition at Papago Golf Club will be fierce. The 16-team field includes several highly-ranked programs, including No. 2 USC, No. 20 Northwestern, and No. 23 Arizona State, the tournament hosts. Live scoring will be available throughout the tournament, allowing fans to follow the action. The course itself, playing at 6,570 yards with a par of 72, presents a significant challenge. Players will need to be precise off the tee and sharp with their approach shots to navigate the course’s subtle undulations and well-protected greens.
Adding to the challenge, the weather forecast predicts sunny conditions with high temperatures in the high 90s. These conditions will demand players stay hydrated and manage their energy levels throughout the three days of competition. The combination of heat and a demanding course layout will test the players’ physical and mental fortitude.
UCLA’s History at the PING/ASU Invitational
UCLA’s history at the PING/ASU Invitational is a source of pride for the program. The Bruins first claimed the team title in 1978 and have added five more championships since, most recently in 2016. Their success at this tournament is a testament to the program’s consistent excellence and ability to perform under pressure. Beyond team success, UCLA has also produced six individual medalist honors at the event, tied with Stanford for second-most, trailing only Arizona State.
Bethany Wu was the most recent Bruin to win the individual title, achieving the feat in 2019 with a remarkable 7-under performance. Other UCLA players who have etched their names onto the tournament’s honor roll include Bronte Law, Ani Gulugian, Stephanie Kono, and Charlotte Mayorkas (who won twice). This legacy of success adds an extra layer of motivation for the current team as they strive to continue UCLA’s winning tradition at Papago Golf Club.
Bruins’ Recent Performance and WAGR Rankings
Whereas the seventh-place finish at the GameAbove Invitational wasn’t the result the Bruins were hoping for, it provided valuable experience and highlighted areas for improvement. Royal’s strong final round was a particularly encouraging sign, demonstrating her ability to perform when it matters most. The team’s overall record for the 2025-26 season currently stands at 66-24-3 (.710), reflecting a consistent level of performance throughout the year.
Looking at the individual rankings, Jen Lee leads the way for UCLA at No. 24 in the WAGR. Angela Liu is ranked 144th, followed by Kacey Ly at 206th, Meghan Royal at 301st, Maye Huang at 395th, and Jennifer Seo at 743rd. These rankings provide a snapshot of the players’ current form and potential, but the team emphasizes that rankings are just one measure of success. The focus remains on collective performance and executing their game plan on the course.
Looking Ahead
The PING/ASU Invitational represents a significant opportunity for the UCLA women’s golf team to showcase their talent and compete against some of the best programs in the country. The team’s success will depend on their ability to navigate the challenging course conditions, stay focused under pressure, and execute their game plans effectively. Following the tournament, the Bruins will continue their spring schedule with further events to be announced. Updates on the team’s performance and schedule can be found on the official UCLA Bruins website.
The team welcomes support from fans as they compete this week. Stay tuned for updates and results from the PING/ASU Invitational, and feel free to share your thoughts and encouragement in the comments below.
