The California Women's Championship not only produces a State Champion in amateur stroke play competition but also determines representatives for the State of California in the biennial USGA Women's State Team Championship.

The USGA Men's and Women's State Team Championships grew out of a celebration of the USGA centennial in 1995. The championships are open to players from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. State associations may choose their teams - composed of three amateur, non-college players - by any method.

Since their inception in 1995, the USGA Men's and Women's State Team Championships have been held in the same years. Following the 2009 championships, the USGA Men's State Team Championship will be conducted in even-numbered years, and the USGA Women's State Team Championship will be conducted in odd-numbered years.

A point system is used to determine representatives for the California USGA Women's State Team. Points are earned over a two-year period by participating in the CWC. All points are deleted after the team has been announced and all players begin a new two-year cycle with zero points. To be eligible for the State Team a player must be a female amateur golfer who is a resident of the State of California. College players are restricted by NCAA rules from participating.

The team consists of three players; alternates are also appointed. Players are selected by point totals and eligibility. Ineligible players are removed from the finishing list before points are awarded. All ties are broken by a card match as recommended by the USGA before points are awarded. If, in the State Team competition year, ties occur after all points have been distributed, the player(s) placing highest in the year of the competition will prevail.

The 2011 USGA Women's State Team Championship was held at The Landings Club in Savannah, Georgia on October 4-6. Representing California were Lynne Cowan of Amateurgolf.com, Sharon Park of Cleveland GC and Joan Higgins of Glendora CC. The designated Team Captain was Lynne Gangi of WGANC. The California team finished in a tie for 11th place. Visit the USGA Women's State Team Championship web site for further information about the 2011 event.

2012 marks the beginning of a new two-year cycle for State Team point accumulation.