The Epson Tour’s the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass is set to take place from June 21-23, 2024. Hosted by Island Resort & Casino in Harris, MI., this highly anticipated event has solidified its reputation as one of the premier professional golf tournaments in the upper Midwest, drawing 144 professional female golfers to compete at the renowned Sweetgrass Golf Club.
As part of the Epson Tour – known as the “Road to the LPGA,” – this tournament serves as a pivotal stage for players aspiring to join the ranks of the LPGA. The players this year wil be competing for prize money totaling $225,000 at the event, now in its 13th year.
“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,” Mancilla added.
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.
“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. “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.” From 1999-2002, LPGA Tour cards were awarded to the top 3 individuals on the season’s money list. 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.
Since the inaugural year, 192 players have graduated from the Epson Tour and advanced to the LPGA Tour. Mancilla noted that most of the Island Resort Championship winners have gone on to earn their LPGA card.
Fans are encouraged to bring a chair or utilize the bleachers by the nine and eighteen greens, as well as at the center of the course. They are also welcome to follow golfers as they play their rounds and can get autographs and photos taken with golfers at the end of their rounds. Food and beverages are available on the course, and food costs just $3.
Tickets to the June tournament are $10 for adults and free for 17 and under with an adult. 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
Photo Courtesy of Island Resort & Casino