ELGIN - East Alton native Gracie Piar won the Illinois State Women’s Amateur from June 1-3 at Elgin Country Club, finishing with a 72-hole total of 217 after forcing a three-hole playoff with round two leader Lisa Copeland.
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Piar, a Marquette Catholic graduate and recent California State-Northridge graduate, shot a 3-under 70 to reach the playoff. Copeland was listed at 221 for second place.
"Winning the state tournament qualifies me for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Tournament just outside Chattanooga, Tenn., at the Honors Course,” Piar said.
Piar said she had been trying to win the state title for several years.
“I was super excited to win,” she said. “I have been trying for seven years, and it was awesome. The course was playing really tough, so I just tried to keep my composure and pulled off three good rounds.”
The victory also comes as Piar prepares for upcoming amateur events and professional qualifying events. She said her “ultimate goal is to play on the LPGA Tour” and that she plans to go to qualifying school in California.
“I just graduated last month,” Piar said, from California State-Northridge, where she played golf for four years and majored in business with a real estate focus.
Piar said she is spending the summer at home before returning to California in August or September. She said she is based in Palm Springs, California.
“My only job right now is golf, trying to make it on tour. If I don't get on the professional tour, I am also going to study to get my real estate license in California,” she said.
Looking ahead, Piar said the first stage of qualifying school is scheduled for Sept. 24-26, followed by additional stages. She will participate in the qualifying school in Palm Springs, Calif., she said.
“There are three stages of qualifying. If I make it through the first qualifying school, then I will go to the second one in October," she said.
Piar will participate in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Tournament Aug. 4-9, 2026.
Piar credited her high school experience for helping shape her path.
“Marquette set the stage for everything, so I'm glad I went to Marquette for high school,” she said.
