Epson Tour Returns to Sweetgrass, June 21-23
The number 13 is not always unlucky.
In this case, the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass will compete for its 13th year, set to take place June 21-23 at the Island Resort & Casino outside of Escanaba.
The highly-anticipated event has solidified its reputation as one of the premier professional golf tournaments in the upper Midwest. As part of the Epson Tour – known as the “Road to the LPGA” – the tournament serves as a pivotal stage for players aspiring to join the ranks of the LPGA Tour, with thrilling competition and showcasing the talent of top female golfers. These athletes will be competing for prize money totaling $225,000 at the event.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to see up-and-coming pro golfers with the potential to be on the LPGA tour in the next few years,” said Tony Mancilla, General Manager of Island Resort & Casino and Tournament Director. “Over the past decade, the Epson Tour has grown substantially, and we are excited to be a part of it. The athletes’ abilities have improved and today the tour offers bigger purses, not to mention the higher quality venues participating in the tour.”
The winner of the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass will take home a trophy, a tribal honor quilt handmade by an elder of the Hannahville Indian Community, and a check for $33,750. In 2023, the winner was Tsai Ching Tseng (Tainan City, Chinese Taipei). The Island Resort Championship was her first career win, in the same year she turned professional. Tseng hopes to defend her title this year but knows how she prepares is key.
Sweetgrass was named the 2022 National Golf Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association, for its excellent playability, management, contributions to the developing the game and support of local communities.
“Definitely mentally. I think because I know there's great players out here, so to be able to beat them just means a lot,” said Tseng in a news release. “I remember so many people were out there and cheering for us. I can’t wait to be back.”
The Epson Tour is the Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA, where players earn LPGA Tour Membership through the Epson Tour's Race for the Card. Beginning in 2024, 15 LPGA cards will be distributed to top points earners over the 20-event season. Each regular season event offers the winner 500 points, and the Epson Tour Championship in Indian Wells, CA offers 650 points as the season finale.
Mancilla noted that most of the Island Resort Championship winners have gone on to earn their LPGA card.
Tickets to the June tournament are $10 for adults and free for 17 and under with an adult. Food and beverages are available on the course, and food costs just $3. Tickets are on-sale now at local non-profits, with proceeds going to the charities that sell them. A list of participating organizations can be found online at www.IslandResortGolf.com
Epson Tour Also Playing in Battle Creek
Prior to the Epson Tour event at Sweetgrass, the 11th annual Firekeepers Casino Hotel Championship will be played June 7-9, at the Battle Creek Country Club. Players will be going for a total purse of $200,000 in the 54-hole event.
Fan entrance is free with a requested donation to South Michigan Food Bank, or fans can bring a small bag of non-perishable food items and drop it at Volunteer Registration. The South Michigan Food Bank feeds underserved people from 8 counties.
There will be a hospitality tent and Firekeepers Food truck available all day long to players and fans.
The cut will be at 60 top scores and ties, for the final round Sunday, June 9. The defending champ is Siyun Liu.
More information can be found at https://firekeeperscasino.com/things-to-do/fkchc
