Spring in Southern California just got a little more exciting. On Tuesday, April 8, thirty-six of the world’s most talented LPGA golfers descended upon the award-winning Journey at Pechanga golf course for the highly anticipated 12th Annual Pechanga Pro-Am. The no-pressure tournament, known for its playful spirit and world-class participants, is quickly becoming a fan favorite on the LPGA’s unofficial calendar.
With the next official Tour event not teeing off until April 17 in Los Angeles, this friendly yet competitive outing offered players and fans alike a chance to unwind and engage—Pechanga-style.
From rising stars to seasoned pros, this year’s lineup was as stacked as a Sunday leaderboard. Leading the charge was Angel Yin, currently ranked No. 12 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. Known for her jaw-dropping power and infectious energy, Yin brought major tour experience and plenty of personality to the fairways. Her 2023 win in Shanghai and runner-up finish at the Chevron Championship have solidified her as a fan favorite—and a fierce competitor.
Another standout was Gabriela Ruffels, the former tennis prodigy turned golf sensation, ranked No. 49. Ruffels has quickly made her mark in the golf world with a history-making U.S. Women’s Amateur title and a dominant Epson Tour season in 2023. Expect to see her near the top of leaderboards for years to come.
The international flavor didn’t stop there. Grace Kim, the Korean-Australian phenom and Lotte Championship winner, Savannah Grewal, the Canadian up-and-comer with a sizzling 64 at Blue Bay, and Dewi Weber, the Dutch dynamo and former Miami Hurricane, rounded out a diverse field that brought global flair to Temecula.
Matilda Castren, Hee Young Park, Emma Talley, Amari Avery, LPGA Pro-Golfer Roberta Liti, and social media sensation Tisha Alyn were also in attendance.
Winners for this Pechanga Pro-Am 2025:
Sarah White wins Longest Drive, 2nd place is Annabelle Pancake, 1st place is Matilda Castren.
Representing the Pechanga Development Corporation was President Mr. Sean Vasquez, alongside a powerhouse team of Pechanga Resort Casino executives, including General Manager Mr. Tjeerd Brink, Chief Marketing Officer Mr. Bill Anderson, Director of Casino VIP Marketing Ms. Kara Montanarella, Vice President of Hotel Operations Mr. Thomas Mueller, Assistant Director of Asian Marketing Ms. Anna Tran, Director of Sales, Catering & Banquet Ms. Sutisa Spellman, and from Journey at Pechanga, Director of Golf Mr. Scott Mallory and Head Golf Professional Mr. Bill Crist. The Executive Casino Host team was also proudly in attendance, representing a variety of cultural communities with Ms. Amy Rowe and Mr. Lin Mei (Chinese), Ms. Cecilia Vadeboncoeur (Korean), Mr. Khai Tran (Vietnamese), Ms. Vhergie Bermejo (Filipino), and Ms. Jen DeSanti (Thai). Pro-Am Organizer Mr. James Ryu and SC Global Enterprise & iGraphix Advertising President Mr. Wade Lai were also among the notable guests.
The Pechanga Pro-Am is a unique blend of top-tier competition and genuine fun. The tournament uses a relaxed 18-hole scramble format, where LPGA pros pair up with sponsors and guests for a lighthearted but lively contest. While the format might be friendly, the competition for the coveted Pechanga Pro-Am Cup remains fierce—albeit with a max score of par to keep the pace and spirits high.
Tee sponsors even got a sneak peek at their playing partners during an exclusive event the night before, making this a truly immersive experience for participants.
Journey at Pechanga, nestled in the rolling hills of Temecula, is a breathtaking venue is rated among the top public courses in California by NBC’s GolfPass. It’s as challenging as it is scenic. The course highlights dramatic elevation changes, pristine greens, and signature holes.
Pechanga Resort Casino continues to elevate luxury and leisure for guests and players alike. Whether it’s five-star accommodations, award-winning dining, or the world-class spa, Pechanga makes sure the experience is unforgettable—on and off the course.
