DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 20, 2025) — The Epson Tour announced today that three tournaments from the Tour’s Midwest stretch will team up, in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to create the Pure Michigan Cup, awarding athletes with bonus money in addition to the three tournament purses. The tournaments involved are the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship, the Great Lakes Championship, and the Island Resort Championship.
“The Epson Tour is thrilled to partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and three incredible tournaments on our schedule to create the Pure Michigan Cup,” said Jody Brothers, Chief Business and Operating Officer of the Epson Tour. “The Michigan Swing is beloved by our athletes, and their commitment to providing increased opportunities will only deepen that connection.”
The Pure Michigan Cup will award $20,000 in bonus money to the top-3 point earners at the conclusion of the three tournaments. Cup points will be awarded at the end of each tournament, mirroring the points earned in the Epson Tour’s season-long Race for the Card. One stipulation to the side competition is that to be eligible to earn the bonus money, athletes must compete in all three tournaments.
Money will be distributed as follows:
- 1st place - $10,000
- 2nd place - $6,000
- 3rd place - $4,000
The competition kicks off at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship and will stretch over three consecutive weeks. A trophy ceremony at the Island Resort Championship will conclude the inaugural Cup, sending three athletes home with additional funds. Here are the full details for the involved tournaments:
- FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship – Battle Creek, MI, June 6-8
- Great Lakes Championship – Harbor Springs, MI, June 13-15
- Island Resort Championship – Harris, MI, June 20-22
“There’s no place like Pure Michigan as a summer golf destination,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan. “We are thrilled to have Michigan golf on a national stage again this year to showcase the amazing talent on the Epson Tour and our state’s world-class golf destinations at three professional women’s golf events in the Pure Michigan Cup.”
Additional Quotes
Frank Tecumseh, CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel:
“FireKeepers Casino Hotel is proud to be the starting point for the inaugural Pure Michigan Cup. This collaboration not only highlights Michigan’s commitment to advancing women’s professional sports, but also strengthens our support for the talented athletes of the Epson Tour. We’re honored to partner with the MEDC and fellow Michigan tournaments to create meaningful opportunities and showcase the best of what our great state has to offer.”
Susie Fox, Tournament Director of the Great Lakes Championship:
“It is an honor for the Great Lakes Championship to join two other prestigious Michigan Epson Tour events to create the Pure Michigan Cup for 2025. This is a great opportunity to showcase the best of what's to come in women's professional golf, and also highlight Michigan as an exceptional golf destination.”
Tony Mancilla, Tournament Director of the Island Resort Championship:
“The Island Resort Championship is excited to be included in the Pure Michigan Cup. The Cup and its prize money are a great addition to the Epson Tour events being held in consecutive weeks this June across the state. We want to thank the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for such a positive contribution to women's professional golf in Michigan.”
About the Epson Tour
The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour and enters its 45th competitive season in 2025. With the support of entitlement partner Seiko Epson Corporation, the Tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s best female professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. In the last decade, the Epson Tour has grown from 15 tournaments and $1.6 million in prize money to $5 million awarded across 20 events in 2025. In all, 402 LPGA Tour titles have been won by Epson Tour alumni, including 49 major championships. Follow the Epson Tour at www.epsontour.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org.