HARRIS, Mich. (WZMQ) – This weekend, female golfers from around the world are in Harris for the Island Resort Championship, one stop on the 2024 Epson Tour.
“Our athletes play 20 events throughout the country each season for a total of $5 million over the course of the year,” said Epson Tour Chief Business and Operating Officer Jody Brothers. “We’re a developmental league, so the top 15 athletes that perform well at this tour graduate at the end of this season and move on to the LPGA.”
Friday through Sunday, 144 women representing more than 20 countries are competing at the Island Resort & Casino’s Sweetgrass Golf Club.
“They’re playing for $262,500 this week, so it’s a great opportunity for them to earn a living at the sport that they love and want to play at the highest level,” Brothers said.
The Island Resort Championship is often cited as a favorite Epson Tour stop among players, including Riley Smyth of Florida, who graduated from the University of Virginia last spring.
“This was my second tournament as a pro last year and I’ve been playing since,” Smyth said. “I love this course; they really put on a great tournament for us. I think it’s really important being able to come back year after year and know more people out here, know the courses, and just keep playing every week.”
The championship is also an exciting experience for fans. Admission is $10 for all three days, and those 17 and under can get in for free with an adult. Spectators can enjoy the course from the stands, $3 concessions, and the chance to be up close and personal with the golfers.
“Having people out here and having the support of the community and fans is really great for this tour and really great for the players,” said Smyth. “I think we all really love having people out to watch.”
The Epson Tour is the “Road to the LPGA,” with 192 players advancing since the tour’s inaugural year. The public is encouraged to come out to see Smyth and other rising athletes put their skills to the test.
“These are some of the top 300 or 400 athletes in the entire world as it relates to professional golf,” said Brothers. “It’s a really unique opportunity for somebody that lives in the region to come out and see that first-hand and say ‘I saw this person when’ before they go on to achieve greatness.”
The spectator entrance is located off US-2 and 41, labeled “Gate A.” Spectators are advised to wear sunscreen and sunglasses or a visor, wear comfortable walking shoes or golf spikes, and to keep cell phones set to vibrate mode. Players can pose for photos and sign autographs after completing their rounds. The best time for fans to request autographs is after the players have signed their scorecards.
For more information on the June 21 – 23 Island Resort Championship, click here. The event is made possible with the help of hundreds of volunteers, which you can learn more about by clicking here.
