Kaili Xiao Claims 2025 Women's California State Open Presented by Toyota; Shelly Stouffer Wins Senior Division
December 17-19 | Desert Springs Golf Club
FINAL ROUND RECAP
PALM DESERT, CA (December 19, 2025) — Kaili Xiao, a University of Southern California commit from Chino Hills, is the 2025 Women’s California State Open Champion presented by Toyota with a 7-under-par 70-68-71=209. Xiao claimed the championship title and the low amateur title with her play.
In the Senior Division, Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, claimed this year’s title and low amateur honors with a 1-over-par 69-74-74=217. Stouffer becomes the second player to win the Senior Division, as Pat Hurst won the inaugural title in 2024.
Xiao entered the day with a one-shot lead after an impressive 4-under-par 68 during the second round that jumped her up the leaderboard into the top spot. Xiao held onto that top spot for most of the day, taking a two-shot lead into the back nine. Madison Murr, who played at Cal State San Marcos, made things interesting for Xiao down the stretch, though, making birdies on 10, 11, and 15 to sit only one shot back from Xiao on the 17 tee box. Both players would make bogeys on the par-3 17, but Xaio bounced back on 18, hitting an incredible approach shot to secure a two-putt for the victory.
The 2025 Women’s California State Open presented by Toyota represents a continued step forward in the growth of women’s golf, offering a platform to showcase the skill, determination, and passion of female golfers. The Southern California PGA (SCPGA) remains committed to creating opportunities for women in the game, from developmental programs to championship events like this one.
Founded in 2016, this marked the 10th playing of the Women’s California State Open, but the first time as a 54-hole event. This year also marked the largest field size since inception, with a total field of 137 players split between two divisions, including a second-time division for seniors with a cut after the first two rounds.
With the continued support of title sponsor Toyota, whose dedication to empowering women in sports remains unwavering, this tournament demonstrates the collective effort to advance women’s golf. Together, the SCPGA and Toyota are helping to inspire future generations, foster growth, and provide a stage where women can excel and achieve their goals.
Special thanks to the host facility, Desert Springs Golf Club, PGA Head Golf Professional Todd Iacono, and Assistant Golf Professional Daniel Horning.
ROUND TWO RECAP
PALM DESERT, CA (December 18, 2025) — The 2025 Women’s California State Open Presented by Toyota has concluded its second round with a new leader emerging at the top of the leaderboard. Kaili Xiao, a University of Southern California commit from Chino Hills, fired a 4-under-par 68 on the day for a 6-under-par 138 two-day total. In the Senior Division, amateur Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, and Corina Kelepouris of La Quinta, are tied for first with a 1-under-par 143 two-day total.
Founded in 2016, this is the 10th playing of the Women’s California State Open, but the first time as a 54-hole event. There is one past champion in the field: Corina Kelepouris (2022). This year marks the largest field size since inception, with a total field of 137 players split between two divisions, including a second-time division for seniors.
Moving day lived up to expectations, as players battled for the opportunity to advance to Friday’s final round. Xiao’s four-under-par push propelled her up the leaderboard, and she holds a one-stroke advantage over the field. Sophia Ellestad, a freshman on the Oklahoma State women’s golf team, and Madison Murr, who played at Cal State San Marcos, are both tied for second with a 5-under-par 139 total. Murr posted a tournament low 5-under-par 67 on the day to jump up the leaderboard.
As for the Senior Division, past champion Corina Kelepouris made her move and is now tied for the lead with day one’s leader, Shelly Stouffer. The pair holds a six-shot lead over the rest of the senior division field.
A hole-in-one prize is up for grabs on the par-3 hole 17 on the Palms Course, with the possible winner taking home a 3-year lease on a Toyota Grand Highlander! Contestants will continue to try their luck one final time tomorrow. A big thank you to Toyota for providing this opportunity to this year’s field and for being the presenting sponsor of the event!
Special thanks to the host facility, Desert Springs Golf Club, and PGA Head Golf Professional Todd Iacono.
ROUND ONE RECAP
PALM DESERT, CA (December 17, 2025) — The opening round of the 2025 Women’s California State Open Presented by Toyota has concluded with two amateurs sitting atop the leaderboard. Donina Zhou, a 2026 Princeton commit from Coto De Caza, and Kuree Little, a junior on the UNLV women’s golf team from Palmdale, both finished tied for first with an opening round 4-under-par 68. In the Senior Division, amateur Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, has the solo lead with a 3-under-par, 69.
Founded in 2016, this is the 10th playing of the Women’s California State Open, but the first time as a 54-hole event. There is one past champion in the field: Corina Kelepouris (2022). This year marks the largest field size since inception, with a total field of 137 players split between two divisions, including a second-time division for seniors.
There are three players one shot back off the leaders, with a 3-under-par 69, and those players are as follows: Ellie Bushnell, a junior on Oklahoma State’s women’s golf team; Sophia Ellestad, a freshman on Oklahoma State’s women’s golf team; and PGA Professional Kaitlyn Ellis of Palm Desert. As for the Senior Division, past champion Corina Kelepouris is one shot back off the lead with a 2-under-par 70.
A hole-in-one prize is up for grabs on the par-3 hole 17 on the Palms Course, with the possible winner taking home a 3-year lease on a Toyota Grand Highlander! Contestants will continue to try their luck throughout the next two rounds. A big thank you to Toyota for providing this opportunity to this year’s field and for being the presenting sponsor of the event!
Special thanks to the host facility, Desert Springs Golf Club, and PGA Head Golf Professional Todd Iacono.