Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 23, 2026
Indian Wells to Host Epson Tour Championship: $100K First Prize
TLDR
- Top 15 Epson Tour finishers earn LPGA Tour cards for 2027 after the no-cut, 72-hole Indian Wells championship with a $250,000 purse.
- The Epson Tour Championship, presented by Indian Wells, runs September 28 to October 4, 2026, with a top-80 field and no cut.
- Indian Wells hosts the Epson Tour Championship, giving fans a chance to watch future LPGA stars and support women's professional golf.
- The Epson Tour Championship winner will earn $100,000, a first in the tour's 46-year history, at Indian Wells Golf Resort.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it highlights the continued growth and prestige of the Epson Tour, the LPGA's official qualifying tour, and the critical role it plays in launching the careers of female professional golfers. The increased purse and record first-place prize of $100,000 demonstrate the tour's rising profile and commitment to rewarding talent. For the City of Indian Wells, hosting the championship for the third year reinforces its status as a premier golf destination and provides significant economic and cultural benefits to the Coachella Valley. Golf fans gain a unique chance to witness future LPGA stars in action and even play alongside them in the Pro-Am, making elite golf accessible. The no-cut format and limited field ensure high-stakes competition, as players battle for the coveted LPGA Tour cards that can transform their careers. Ultimately, this event showcases the pipeline of talent in women's golf and the growing investment in the sport.
Summary
The City of Indian Wells is returning as the presenting sponsor of the Epson Tour Championship for the third consecutive year in 2026, solidifying its role as a key partner in women's professional golf. The season-ending showcase will be held on the newly redesigned Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort from September 28 to October 4, 2026. As the final event of the year, the championship will determine the top 15 finishers on the Epson Tour's "Race for the Card," who will earn their LPGA Tour cards for the 2027 season. This year introduces exciting changes: the field is limited to the top 80 players on the Race for the Card standings, and the 72-hole event will feature a no-cut format. The total purse is $250,000, with the winner taking home $100,000—a first in the tour's 46-year history.
Golf fans have a rare opportunity to participate in the official Pro-Am on Wednesday of tournament week, playing alongside a future LPGA Tour star. "As a premier golf destination, we are excited to once again welcome the Epson Tour Championship to Indian Wells," said Dr. Toper Taylor, mayor of Indian Wells. "The Epson Tour brings some of the most talented professional women golfers to our community and provides an incredible opportunity for residents, visitors, and golf fans to experience championship-caliber competition right here in Indian Wells." Jody Brothers, GM of the Epson Tour, added, "Indian Wells has become the perfect stage for the Epson Tour to crown its season... The newly redesigned Players Course gives our athletes a true championship test, and the backdrop of the Coachella Valley creates an unforgettable setting for the final push toward LPGA Tour cards."
For more information, visit www.epsontourchampionship.com or www.CityOfIndianWells.org. The Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour, enters its 46th competitive season in 2026. With support from entitlement partner Seiko Epson Corporation, the tour has grown significantly, awarding $5 million across 20 events in 2025. Over 400 LPGA Tour titles have been won by Epson Tour alumni, including more than 50 major championships. Follow the Epson Tour at www.epsontour.com and on social media.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Indian Wells to Host Epson Tour Championship: $100K First Prize
