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. In the year the team is selected, points earned are doubled. 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; three alternates are also appointed. Players are selected by point totals and eligibility. If a tie exists, the CWC Committee will add and split the points (i.e. if there's a tie for 2nd add and split the points for second and third place). If there's a tie for the third position, the player placing highest in the CWC held during the year of the State Team competition will prevail.

See final State Team Points for 2008/2009 and a listing of the CWC Point System.

The 2009 USGA State Team Championship was held on September 1-3 at Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Representing the state of California were Sharon Park of Irvine, Maki Kamimura of West Covina and Kathy Kurata of Los Angeles. Alternates were Lynne Cowan of Davis, Debi Anderson of Rancho Mirage and Joan Higgins of Glendora. The designated Captain for the 2009 California team was Lois Eriksen of Ukiah. The 2009 California team placed 8th in the overall competition.

The 2011 USGA Women's State Team Championship will be held at The Landings Club in Savannah, Georgia on October 4-6. Visit the USGA Women's State Team Championship web site for further information about the 2011 event.