FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEMPHIS, TN — January 14, 2026 – The eyes of the golfing world will be on the Bluff City this spring as the Sapphire Golf Tour officially kicks off its 2026 season with the inaugural River City Women’s Open. Running from April 9–12, 2026, at the newly renovated Links at Pine Hill, the event marks a historic milestone for Memphis, establishing it as a vibrant hub for professional Black women’s golf.
From April 10th through 12th, 2026, the Links at Pine Hill will welcome 20 to 30 professional tour players, including top junior and collegiate competitors, transforming Memphis into a vibrant hub of women’s golf. Mayor Paul Young will host a special welcome reception on April 9th, kicking off a weekend filled with excitement, community, and inspiration.
The Season Opener: More Than Just Golf
As the first stop on the 2026 tour, the River City Women’s Open is designed as a high-energy community celebration. The weekend bridges the gap between professional sports and local culture, offering an atmosphere unlike any other tournament in the region.
- Friday, April 10: The Charity Invitational Open to golfers from the entire Memphis metropolitan area and beyond, Friday features a competitive Pro-Am and Scramble. This unique format allows local participants to walk the fairways and play alongside tour professionals. The day will be charged with a “Memphis Soul” vibe, featuring live music, local vendors, and a festive atmosphere on the grounds.
- Saturday & Sunday, April 11–12: The Professional Stage The official tournament play begins Saturday with an anticipated crowd of over 500 spectators daily. The fan experience is a priority: families can enjoy a curated VIP Tent with premium food and drinks. To ensure fans don’t miss a moment of golf history, a Jumbotron will broadcast The Masters immediately following the tournament rounds, creating a full-day celebration of the sport
- April 9: Welcome Reception hosted by Mayor Paul Young (Location TBA)
- April 10: Memphis Charity Golf Invitational (Pro-Am and Scramble), Women’s Golf Clinic
- April 11: Tournament Day 1, River City Women’s Open at Links at Pine Hill
- April 12: Tournament Final Day, River City Women’s Open at Links & Award Ceremony
At the heart of the Sapphire Golf Tour is a mission of accessibility and representation. The weekend includes two major educational pillars:
- The Women’s Golf Clinic (Friday): Designed to empower women of all skill levels to pick up a club and join the game.
- The Junior Golf Clinic (Saturday Morning): Specifically for Shelby County Public Schools and local youth, this clinic offers kids a chance to experience golf in a welcoming, high-energy setting.
“Representation is the catalyst for change,” says Tarek DeLavallade, Commissioner of the Sapphire Golf Tour. “When these students see professional players who look like them competing at this level, the dream becomes a reality. This is an intergenerational experience where youth, young adults, and seniors alike can witness the power of Black women excelling at the highest levels of the game.
Join the Celebration
The Sapphire Golf Tour invites the Memphis community to witness history in the making. Whether as a spectator in the gallery or a corporate partner, your presence supports the growth of equity in professional golf.
- Tickets & Sponsorships: Visit [sapphiregolftour.com/memphis]
- Media Inquiries: [info@sapphiregolftour.com]
