Epson Tour Announces Pure Michigan Cup Competition Returning for 2026 Midwest Swing

Release Date

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 19, 2026) — The Epson Tour announced today, in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the return of the Pure Michigan Cup, a premier competition during the Tour’s Midwest stretch.

The tournaments involved are the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship, the Great Lakes Championship, and the Island Resort Championship. The competition serves as a high-stakes spotlight on the "Road to the LPGA," rewarding consistency and elite play during one of the most grueling stretches of the season.

“The Pure Michigan Cup has quickly become a highlight of our schedule, deepening our connection to the state of Michigan and its incredible golf community,” said Jody Brothers, Epson Tour General Manager. “Last year showed exactly why this Cup matters, our top finishers used the momentum from Michigan to propel themselves directly to the LPGA Tour.”

The Pure Michigan Cup will award $20,000 in bonus money to the top three 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 2026 Cup looks to follow a historic debut season. In 2025, Melanie Green captured the inaugural Pure Michigan Cup and the $10,000 top prize. Green utilized that victory as a springboard to become the 2025 Epson Tour Player of the Year and Gaelle Truet Rookie of the Year, ultimately clinching her 2026 LPGA Tour card. Joining her in the winner’s circle were Riley Smyth ($6,000), who also earned her LPGA Tour card for the 2026 season, and Samantha Wagner ($4,000).

The competition kicks off at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship and will stretch over three consecutive weeks. Here are the full details for the involved tournaments:

  • FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship – Marshall, MI, June 12-14
  • Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands – Harbor Springs, MI, June 19-21
  • Island Resort Championship – Harris, MI, June 26-28

“There’s no place like Pure Michigan as a summer golf destination,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan. “We are proud 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.”

About the Epson Tour
The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour and enters its 46th competitive season in 2026. 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, over 400 LPGA Tour titles have been won by Epson Tour alumni, including over 50 major championships. Follow the Epson Tour at www.epsontour.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness 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. Discover more and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, TikTok , X and YouTube.