MISSION – The 2025 Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic began its schedule of events Monday with a pro-am, starting off a week of events that culminate with the tournament itself teeing off Friday and crowning a winner Sunday. The Classic is part of the Epson Tour schedule which is a step below the LPGA circuit. The top 15 golfers at the end of the Tour’s season earn a chance to compete on the LPGA Tour next year.
Before the first pro-am on Monday there was a media event that included two of the competitors for this weekend’s tournament with local ties. One of whom, Selanee Henderson Pendleton of Philomath, is a descendant of the Walla Walla tribe who’s spent a lot of time in the area visiting family. The 2006 Big West Conference women’s golf athlete of the year and nine-year Epson Tour pro said playing this course holds a special place for her.
“It’s obviously really fun to come back and I have memories of playing here with Gary George (Wildhorse CEO) and my dad,” she said.
Another of this weekend’s participants who’s no stranger to the Wildhorse course is Therese Warner, a Southridge High School graduate in Kennewick who later went on to play at the University of Arizona. She’s been on the Tour since 2023 and is excited to be back playing in familiar territory.
“I just love being here and being around familiar faces and people,” she said.
The week’s schedule also includes events for kids, with free youth golf clinics being offered on Tuesday. Wildhorse CEO Gary George said it’s one of many opportunities Wildhorse offers to get a younger generation introduced to the game.
“It’s a game for a lifetime that you can really enjoy with your family, with your grandparents. I mean it’s so awesome to see youth out there playing with some of our Chiefs,” said George.
This is the fourth year Wildhorse has hosted the Epson Tour and the Tour’s Director of Tournament Business Affairs Matt Clark commented on the venue’s great fit on the Tour schedule
“The casino right next door and the hotel rooms and the restaurants it’s perfect for an Epson Tour event where our players can stay right on property and save some expense that way. It’s really a tremendous venue for an Epson Tour event,” said Clark.
The event not only attracts golfers from around the world but also golf fans from all around. Eastern Oregon Visitors Association Executive Director Alana Carollo says she has no shortage of suggestions for visitors when the day’s events at the golf course are complete.
“In Pendleton alone there’s so much to do. Downtown is vibrant they have the Charm Trail, there’s so many makers from leather makers, hat makers, boot makers and then the food scene as well,” she said.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
Tuesday:
Free Youth Golf Clinics; Morning session at Wildhorse Golf Course, afternoon session at Birch Creek Golf Course
Wednesday:
Official Pro-Am No. 1, Wildhorse Golf Course
Meet and Greet Pro-Am Reception, Wildhorse Resort and Casino
Thursday:
Official Pro-Am No. 2, Wildhorse Golf Course
Friday:
Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic, First Round
Saturday:
Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic, Second Round
Sunday:
Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic, Final Round and Trophy Presentation
More information on events and tickets for the tournament are available here.
MYCB photo of Selanee Henderson Pendleton at Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic media event
