HARRIS, MICHIGAN – The 14th annual Island Resort Championship returns to Sweetgrass Golf Club, promising thrilling competition, community fun, and a front-row seat to watch the rising stars of women’s professional golf. As part of the Epson Tour – Road to the LPGA, this year’s event brings new energy, fresh talent and inspiring fan experiences.
The Island Resort Championship draws top emerging golf talent from around the globe, competing for a $225,000 purse and a coveted chance to qualify for the LPGA Tour. Spectators will see 144 players chasing their dreams on one of the most scenic and award-winning courses in the Midwest. With its blend of world-class competition, beautiful course conditions and strong community support, the Island Resort Championship continues to grow in stature and excitement each 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.”
New in 2025, the Epson Tour’s three Michigan tournaments have collaborated with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to create The Pure Michigan Cup, which will award an extra $20,000 in bonus money (1st place - $10,000; 2nd place - $6,000; 3rd place - $4,000) to the top three point-earners after the three successive Michigan tournaments: FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship (June 6-8; Battle Creek, MI),Great Lakes Championship (June 13-15; Harbor Springs, MI) and The Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass (June 20 -22; Harris, MI). A special trophy ceremony at the Island Resort Championship will conclude the inaugural Cup.
The Epson Tour is the Official Qualifying Tour of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), where players earn LPGA Tour Membership through the Epson Tour's Race for the Card. In 2025, 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. Every year, two aspiring professional golfers are invited to participate in the Island Resort Championship as sponsor exemptions to gain valuable experience on their journey to becoming professionals. This year, those exemptions are Katie Lu and Brooke Biermann, two spring 2025 graduates of Michigan State University who competed on the Spartan’s women’s golf team.
Fans are encouraged to bring a chair or utilize the bleachers by holes 9 and 18 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. Inexpensive food and beverages are available on the course, with costs for food items like burgers and brats 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.
About Island Resort & Casino
Located in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula 15 minutes west of Escanaba, Island Resort & Casino is one of the Midwest's largest golf, casino and entertainment resort destinations. The resort features over 450 guest rooms, more than 1,200 of the latest slots, a poker room, various gaming tables and a bingo hall, two championship golf courses, the luxurious Drift Spa, an RV Park, a headline entertainment showroom, a dedicated Sportsbook space, a pool with waterpark features, a customizable, expansive
convention space and enough dining choices to please every palate. The Island Resort & Casino is truly your total resort destination. It is easily accessible via two regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette, connecting through Detroit, Saginaw, Lansing, or Grand Rapids. Plan your stay today, then get ready to enjoy your total experience at the Island! For more information, visit www.islandresortandcasino.com.
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.
Contact:
Tony Mancilla, Tournament Co-chairman
Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass
906-723-2000
tmancilla@islandresortandcasino.com