Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass – An EPSON Tour Staple

Michigan’s U.P. resort has lived up to the reputation of hosting the EPSON Tour so well on several levels, its involvement helped earn its anchor golf course – Sweetgrass – 2022 National Golf Course of the Year – an award that factors in topics like community support and growing the game for picking the top properties each year.

Since the tournament’s inception in 2011, the Island Resort Championship has truly been a melting pot for competitors from around the world. Following its first four years, which were dominated by Americans, the Championship has produced numerous winners from outside the U.S.  These were followed by Michigan native Daniela Iacobelli in 2019, who won the tournament at 11-under par.

The defending champ this June 20-22 is Soo Bin Joo, who won her first event at Island Resort and Casino.

“We like what it’s about, and the opportunities it provides people… and we’re really proud to be part of it because it creates a lot of opportunity for women golfers,” GM Tony Mancilla said about the EPSON Tour. 

“There’s only 200 courses in America that host a professional event, and we’re one of them. We never get negative feedback. I feel like we run a good event. I think it showcases Michigan golf, but also showcases U.P. golf. We’re showcasing the U.P. and what the U.P. has.”

The EPSON Tour is growing in Michigan by having three consecutive events in a row. On June 6-8, the Firekeepers Championship will take place at Battle Creek Country Club, followed by a new event at Boyne Highlands, the Great Lakes Championship the week prior to the final leg at Island Resort.

“I’m really excited about the Boyne people coming on,” Mancilla added. “Boyne will do it first class. No matter what happens there, the ladies are going to say, northern Michigan is pretty cool. Battle Creek has a lot too, so I think the three (locations) will be great. But our role is to highlight the U.P.”

Saying that the Escanaba region has welcomed the professional women golfers and the tournament with open arms seems cliché, but the tournament is double- and triple-circled on residents’ summer calendars due to its massive popularity for kids and families, and all for a good cause.