Thursday, May 29, 2025
The Island Resort Championship has firmly established itself as a premier event in the Midwest golf calendar. This tournament uniquely combines breathtaking course landscapes with world-class competition, drawing 144 of the most talented emerging golf stars from across the globe. These athletes compete fiercely not only for the impressive $225,000 prize purse but also for the chance to earn a coveted spot on the LPGA Tour, making this event a critical stepping stone in their professional careers.
The spectacular natural beauty of the course challenges players while captivating fans, creating a dynamic atmosphere that elevates every round. Equally important is the strong support from the local community, whose enthusiasm and hospitality add a welcoming spirit to the championship. This powerful combination of elite golf and dedicated community involvement has helped the tournament grow in prestige and excitement over the past 14 years. As it marks this milestone, the Island Resort Championship continues to showcase the best in women’s golf while enriching the sporting culture of the Midwest region.
The Island Resort Championship attracts the world’s best rising golf stars, all vying for a $225,000 prize fund and an exclusive opportunity to earn a spot on the LPGA Tour. A field of 144 competitors will battle it out on one of the Midwest’s most breathtaking and highly acclaimed courses. Combining elite-level play, stunning course landscapes, and enthusiastic local backing, the Island Resort Championship steadily builds its reputation and excitement year after year.
“Our volunteers return year after year; their energy is always high,” said Tony Mancilla, Tournament Co-chairman. “We have golfers from all over the world, so our employees get excited about it. And the players keep getting better. The first year, -7 won; last year, -17 won. I really believe, if you golf or if you have kids, you don’t want to miss it.” The winner will take home a trophy, a tribal honor quilt handmade by an elder of the Hannahville Indian Community, and a check for $33,750.”
Starting in 2025, the Epson Tour’s trio of Michigan events has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to launch The Pure Michigan Cup. This new competition will award an additional $20,000 in bonus prizes to the top three point leaders across the three consecutive Michigan tournaments: FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship (June 6-8 in Battle Creek), Great Lakes Championship (June 13-15 in Harbor Springs), and The Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass (June 20-22 in Harris). The inaugural Cup will be celebrated with a special trophy presentation during the Island Resort Championship.
The Epson Tour serves as the official qualifying circuit for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), where players earn their LPGA Tour cards through the Race for the Card points system. In 2025, the top 15 players on the points list at season’s end will secure LPGA membership. Each regular Epson Tour event awards 500 points to the winner, while the season-ending Epson Tour Championship in Indian Wells, California, offers 650 points. As part of their commitment to nurturing new talent, the Island Resort Championship grants two sponsor exemptions each year. This year’s recipients are Katie Lu and Brooke Biermann, recent graduates of Michigan State University and former members of the Spartan women’s golf team.
Spectators are invited to bring their own chairs or use the bleacher seating available near the 9th and 18th greens, as well as at the course’s central areas. Fans can follow the players throughout their rounds and have opportunities for autographs and photos after play. Affordable refreshments, including burgers and brats priced at just $3, will be sold on-site. Admission for the June tournaments is $10 for adults, while youth 17 and under accompanied by an adult enter free. Tickets are currently available through local non-profits, with proceeds benefiting the organizations that sell them.
