New event in Michigan expands and elevates the Midwest stretch
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 24, 2024 — The Epson Tour announced today a new tournament coming to the 2025 schedule, the Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands. The inaugural event will be held from June 9-15, 2025, at The Highlands located in Harbor Springs, Mich.
“We’re excited to announce the addition of a new event in Michigan next year. The Petoskey Area is well known as a tremendous golf market, and I know our athletes will be excited to visit the community and take on the challenges that The Heather at The Highlands will offer,” said Jody Brothers, the Epson Tour’s Chief Business and Operating Officer. “With the help from the Great Lakes Sports Commission and the BOYNE Golf, we’re confident that this event will instantly become an athlete favorite and help prepare them for their ultimate goal of playing on the LPGA Tour.”
The Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands will offer a $250,000 purse and a $37,500 winner’s check. This new event in Harbor Springs will mark the third Epson Tour event in Michigan – joining the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship in Battle Creek, and the Island Resort Championship in Harris – and will also showcase the beauty of Michigan golf while testing the Epson Tour athletes with a Tour-worthy track. This expansion of the Midwest stretch continues the Tour’s efforts in creating regional clusters of events to simplify travel experiences for players each week.
“Bringing the Epson Tour to The Heather Golf Course at The Highlands at Harbor Springs will have a big impact on the Petoskey area and the northern Michigan region,” said Executive Director, Eric Marvin. “The expansion of the Tour’s Michigan stretch will not only showcase the unparalleled beauty and unique charm of northern Michigan but also promises to create significant economic impact and international exposure. We are confident that adding another high-profile Epson Tour event will enhance our reputation as a premier destination for golf and we look forward to welcoming the world’s top women’s golfers to northern Michigan in 2025.”
“We are excited and honored to host the Epson Tour’s Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands,” said Mike Chumbler, president and general manager of The Highlands. “Hosting this prominent event underscores our commitment to golf and further highlights northern Michigan as a premier destination for exceptional golf. The beauty of northern Michigan, coupled with the high level of competition the Epson Tour offers, will make this a memorable event for players and spectators alike.”
Additional details will be provided when the 2025 schedule is released later this year. More information about the Epson Tour can be found at epsontour.com and thegreatlakeschampionship.com.
Additional Quotes:
Jim Powell, Executive Director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau:
“The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau is pleased to welcome the Epson Tour to northern Michigan with the support of BOYNE Golf and the Great Lakes Sports Commission. Hosting this annual tour event at The Highlands will continue to build the Petoskey area’s reputation as a world-class destination golf location and drive overnight visitation to the region. We look forward to being an important stop on “The Road to the LPGA” for these up-and-coming female athletes and their fans. Hosting this event on The Heather is the perfect way to officially kick-off our golf season in the Petoskey area, which is home to sixteen outstanding golf courses, six charming communities and endless destination amenities.”
Josh Richter, Boyne Resorts SVP of Golf:
“The Highlands and BOYNE Golf are honored and excited that the Great Lakes Sports Commission and the Epson Tour have selected The Heather golf course at The Highlands to host the Great Lakes Championship. The Heather was the first BOYNE Golf course and is widely credited as the spark that started the golf boom in northern Michigan. The Heather launched the region as America’s Summer Golf Capital and has hosted many prestigious championships, including five Michigan Amateur Championships since it opened in 1966. We look forward to the test it will provide the outstanding golfers on the Epson Tour on their journey to the LPGA.”
About the Epson Tour
The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour and enters its 44th competitive season in 2024. 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 2024. With more than 600 graduates and alumnae moving on to the LPGA Tour, former Epson Tour players have won 480 LPGA titles.
Follow the Epson Tour at www.epsontour.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Great Lakes Sports Commission
The Great Lakes Sports Commission is dedicated to promoting and developing sports across the Northern Michigan region. We strive to enhance quality of life for individuals and communities by promoting active lifestyles, fostering inclusivity, and supporting the development of athletes at all levels. Through collaboration with stakeholders, we aim to cultivate a vibrant sports culture that celebrates our region’s unique assets, inspires participation, and drives economic growth.
Our vision is to be the premier catalyst for sports development and innovation in the region. We aspire to create a dynamic environment where athletes thrive, communities unite, and the transformative power of sports is realized. By championing integrity, equity, and sustainability in sports, we envision a future where Northern Michigan is a leader in athletic excellence, fostering pride and prosperity for generations to come.
Follow the Great Lakes Championship on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About The Highlands
The Highlands offers an idyllic setting in charming Harbor Springs, Mich. The resort is a family-owned destination providing the ultimate northern Michigan experience served with heartfelt hospitality. For 60 years, The Highlands has enriched the moment for vacationing guests with its all-season allure. The Highlands is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.
To learn more, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.
