The 2026 Island Resort Championship will bring a strong field of rising professional talent to Sweetgrass Golf Club from June 26-28, but this year’s tournament will also feature three sponsor exemptions with compelling stories of their own.
College golfers Veronika Kedronova, Taylor Kehoe, and Rachel Niskanen have each earned sponsor exemptions into this year’s Island Resort Championship, giving them the chance to compete against one of the strongest fields in women’s developmental golf. As part of the Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour for the LPGA, the event will welcome 144 professional golfers from around the world competing for a share of the $225,000 purse at Sweetgrass.
Each of the three players arrives by a different path, but all will have the opportunity to test their game in a high-level professional setting while gaining valuable experience against future LPGA talent.
Veronika Kedronova brings an international background and growing big-stage experience to this year’s tournament. Originally from the Czech Republic, Kedronova has developed into a standout at Kent State and will enter her senior year this fall. She recently competed in the U.S. Women’s Open and is also set to play in the CPKC Women’s Open later this year. Her appearance at Sweetgrass gives fans the opportunity to watch a player who is already building experience at some of the game’s highest levels.
Taylor Kehoe adds another strong college storyline to the field. A native of Canada, Kehoe began her college career at the University of Alabama before transferring to Michigan State. The move proved to be a strong fit, and she posted a 72.43 scoring average during her junior season, the seventh-best single-season average in Michigan State history. She also tied for 23rd at the NCAA Championships this spring, the program’s best finish there since 2013. Now she will compete in her first Epson Tour event in the state she has come to call a home away from home.
Rachel Niskanen gives local fans another player to follow closely. A native of Negaunee, Michigan, and a member of the Central Michigan women’s golf team, Niskanen also received a sponsor exemption into the 2025 Island Resort Championship. She completed the first two rounds last year and gained valuable experience from the event. Now she returns to Sweetgrass with a better understanding of the challenge and another opportunity to compete against one of the top fields on the Epson Tour schedule. Her Upper Peninsula roots make her story especially meaningful for regional fans who enjoy seeing local players compete on a larger stage.
These sponsor exemptions add another layer of interest to tournament week. They give standout college golfers a chance to compete at a high level, measure themselves against professional talent, and gain experience that can help shape what comes next in their careers. For spectators, they also create storylines that make the championship more engaging to follow from start to finish.
Beyond the competition, the Island Resort Championship continues to offer one of the best spectator experiences in the region and remains a fun, family-friendly event. Fans are encouraged to bring a chair or use the bleachers near the 9th and 18th greens, as well as the center of the course. Spectators are welcome to follow players during their rounds and meet them for autographs and photos after play.
A three-day pass is $10 for adults, and guests 17 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets are on sale now through local nonprofit organizations, with proceeds benefiting the charities that sell them. Concessions will also be available throughout the event, with all concession items priced at $4 or less.
With rising stars, strong international and regional storylines, and another exciting week of competition ahead, the 2026 Island Resort Championship is shaping up to be a memorable event at Sweetgrass Golf Club.
FAQ
What is a sponsor exemption in golf?
A sponsor exemption allows a player to compete in a professional tournament without going through the standard qualifying process. It is often awarded to players with strong amateur or collegiate backgrounds.
Who received sponsor exemptions for the 2026 Island Resort Championship?
The 2026 sponsor exemptions were awarded to Veronika Kedronova of Kent State, Taylor Kehoe of Michigan State, and Rachel Niskanen of Central Michigan.
When is the 2026 Island Resort Championship?
The tournament takes place June 26-28, 2026.
Where is the Island Resort Championship played?
The tournament is held at Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan.
How much are tickets to the Island Resort Championship?
A three-day pass is $10 for adults, and guests 17 and under are free with a paying adult.
Is the Island Resort Championship family friendly?
Yes. The event is designed to be welcoming for families, golf fans, and first-time spectators, with easy course viewing, player access after rounds, and concession items priced at $4 or less.
