The idea for The California Women's State Championship began in January of 1994 at the USGA Annual Meeting.  It was felt that a State Championship would provide a "true women's Champion" from the state of California.

In 1995, five of the Women's Golf Associations in California, consisting of Pacific Women's Golf Association, San Diego County Women's Golf Association, Women's Golf Association of  Northern California, Women's Public Links Golf Association and Women's Southern California Golf Association began orchestrating the Championship.  Money to sponsor the Championship was and continues to be provided by four of these associations (WGANC, PWGA, SDCWGA and WSCGA) with two representatives from each forming the California Women's Championship Committee. 

The dream became a reality in July of 1996, with the first Championship being held at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California. 

The format is 54 holes of stroke play, and the competition is scheduled in July of each year so players of school age can participate.  Eligibility requirements are that a player be a female of any age, a California resident for at least 6 months of the year and have a handicap index limit of 10.4. 

The results of the California Women's State Championship also determine which players will represent the state at the USGA State Team Championship, held every 2 years.  For more information regarding the selection of those players, please see the section on USGA State Team.