The road to the LPGA returns to Sweetgrass Golf Club this summer as the 15th annual Island Resort Championship heads back to the Island from June 26-28, 2026.
As a premier stop on the Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour for the LPGA, the tournament brings 144 of the world’s top rising women golfers to one of the Midwest’s most distinctive championship venues. For golf fans, it is a chance to see future LPGA stars compete up close on a course that has become an important part of the Epson Tour schedule and a standout in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula.
The Island Resort Championship has built a strong reputation not only because of the setting at Sweetgrass, but because of the level of competition it attracts. Players will compete for a $225,000 purse, with the winner earning $33,750, the championship trophy, and a tribal honor quilt handmade by an elder of the Hannahville Indian Community. That tradition gives the tournament a sense of place that reflects both the culture of the Hannahville Indian Community and the unique identity of this event.
For players, every round at Sweetgrass carries weight. The Epson Tour is the Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA, and in 2026, 15 LPGA cards will be awarded to the top points earners over the 19-event season. Each regular-season win carries 500 points toward the Race for the Card, making the Island Resort Championship a meaningful stop for players trying to earn their place at the next level.
Fans who follow women’s professional golf know that today’s Epson Tour competition often becomes tomorrow’s LPGA success story. That has already been reflected at Sweetgrass. Melanie Green, winner of the 2025 Island Resort Championship, is now competing as an LPGA rookie and has already recorded two top-10 finishes this season. Her fast start is a reminder that the players teeing it up at the Island are among the best rising talents in the game.
This year’s event will also again help decide the Pure Michigan Cup, which links the Epson Tour’s three Michigan tournaments. Through a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Cup awards an additional $20,000 in bonus money to the top three point earners across the three-event stretch. The final stop is Sweetgrass, where a special trophy ceremony will close out the Michigan series.
For spectators, the Island Resort Championship offers one of the best opportunities in the region to watch elite professional golf from a close vantage point. Fans can follow players throughout their rounds, settle into the bleachers near the 9th and 18th greens, or watch from the center of the course. After play, players are often available for autographs and photos, adding to the event’s accessibility and appeal.
The tournament remains one of the most approachable professional golf events for fans and families alike. Tickets are $10 for adults, and 17 and under are free with an adult. Food and beverages are available throughout the course, including burgers and brats for just $3.
For golf fans planning a summer trip to the Island, the tournament is another reason to experience what makes Sweetgrass special. It is championship golf, rising LPGA talent, and the energy of one of the Upper Peninsula’s marquee golf events, all coming together at the Island.
Tickets are on sale now through local nonprofit organizations, with proceeds benefiting the charities that sell them.
FAQ Section
What tour is the Island Resort Championship part of?
The Island Resort Championship is part of the Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour for the LPGA.
Why is the Island Resort Championship important?
The tournament gives golfers a chance to earn prize money and valuable Race for the Card points as they compete for LPGA Tour membership.
How many players compete in the Island Resort Championship?
The event features 144 of the world’s top rising women golfers.
What is the purse for the 2026 Island Resort Championship?
The 2026 purse is $225,000, with the winner receiving $33,750.
Can spectators walk the course during the tournament?
Yes. Spectators are welcome to follow golfers during their rounds, watch from the bleachers, and enjoy food, beverages, autographs, and photos after play.
