Epson Tour Secures Multi-Year Deal to Boost Championship Prize Fund and Player Earnings

The momentum of women's golf continues to build and not only at the highest level on LPGA Tour, but for its official qualifying tour, too.

This week, the Epson Tour announced a three-year extension deal with Epson America that will bring on monetary upgrades to the Epson Tour Championship beginning this year, including an increased winner’s share of the purse to $100,000, a first in the 46-year history of the Tour.

Auston Kim after winning The Epson Tour Championship Championship at LPGA International on October 8, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event moved to Indian Wells Golf Resort (California) in 2024. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

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As the final event on the schedule, the Epson Tour Championship acts as the final push before Q School, for players to earn their LPGA cards. It's the event that they work all year long for, just to earn a spot in the field.

Held at Indian Wells Golf Resort (California) since 2024, the championship is staying put but is set to undergo a few upgrades beginning in 2026. First and foremost, the 72-hole championship will feature a no-cut format, and will limit its field to 80 players, determined by the 2026 Epson Tour Race for the Card standings following the penultimate event on the schedule.

But perhaps the biggest and most impressive change coming, is how much the total purse will increase—it's been bumped up to $250,000 in 2026, with the that winner's portion hitting $100,000. Each year, throughout the partnership, the championship will see annual purse increases, with total purses will rise to $350,000 by the end of the decade.

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"Epson’s continued commitment to the Epson Tour is a powerful investment in opportunity," said LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler in the official announcement. "This extension reflects a shared belief in the importance of a strong, clear pathway to the LPGA—and in supporting athletes at a pivotal stage in their careers. The enhancements to the Epson Tour Championship are meaningful and intentional, rewarding performance while providing greater financial security. We’re incredibly grateful to Epson for their leadership and long-term vision, and for the role they continue to play in strengthening the Road to the LPGA."

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Additionally, this season the Epson Tour has introduced 18-hole stroke-play Local Qualifying Rounds (LQRs) for its first three events of the season: the Atlantic Beach Classic presented by Access Golf, the IOA Golf Classic, and the Orlando Health Championship. This is the second time in Epson Tour history that the tour is offering local qualifying.

Each Local Qualifying Round will determine two qualifiers, who will receive an automatic exemption directly into the main field of the respective tournament.

The 2026 season begins this week in Atlantic Beach, Fla., with the Atlantic Beach Classic, follow scoring here.

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