MEDIA DAY: Epson Tour Prepares For June Event
![]() Click the AUDIO buttons to hear Media Day interviews with Epson Tour VP Tim Kramer, Tournament Co-Chair Tony Mancilla, Golfer Leah John, and Delta County Chamber of Commerce Director Vickie Micheau.
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. Fans are encouraged to bring a chair or utilize the bleachers by the hole 9 and 18 greens, as well as at the center of the course. 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. |