Seven events over the course of the season are sponsored and run by tribal communities. With just 21 events on the schedule, that makes up one third of the year. Since March, the Epson Tour has played the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Casino Del Sol Golf Classic, Island Resort Championship, FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship, Four Winds Invitational and Circling Raven Championship.
“As females professionals, we’re always trying to gain traction,” said Dorsey Addicks. “For these communities to support us so fully is really special to all of us. To have seven or eight events that are sponsored by a tribe is huge, and the Epson Tour wouldn’t be the Epson Tour without them. From me and the whole tour, thank you!”
Three of the tournaments – the Island Resort Championship, FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship and Four Winds Invitational – even ban together to create an additional way for the Epson Tour women to earn money. They’ve created the Potawatomi Cup, a point-based ranking that is earned from finishes at those three events.
Ssu-Chia Cheng, the winner of the 2022 Potawatomi Cup, is especially grateful for these events. She was awarded a special trophy, as well as an $8,000 bonus.
“We really appreciate that they are willing to support ladies golf and the Epson Tour,” said Cheng. “They make the tour better and give us more opportunities.”
Circling Raven Championship winner, Jillian Hollis, felt nothing but love during her stay at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel last week. After connecting with her pro-am group, Hollis knew she’d have people out cheering for her each day. The support made celebrating her first win of the season sweeter.
“We’re so lucky to play beautiful courses and have support from all of the fans,” said Hollis. “I love when we have fans out here, especially when we’re in places where there’s not a ton going on. The [Coeur d’Alene] community is very family oriented, and I loved that because it felt like home.”
The last of the seven events will be played this week, at the inaugural Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic. Wildhorse CEO and Tournament Director, Gary George is excited to show his community what professional women’s golf looks like.
“From our very existence is 1996, Wildhorse Resort Casino has always wanted to grow the game of golf for our Tribal and local Communities,” said George. “We wanted to show and demonstrate that golf can be enjoyed by more culturally diverse groups and women. The Epson Tour showcases a very talented group of young professional female golfers who all aspire to be the best they can be!”
While the women on the Epson Tour are making an impact on the young women of these tribes and areas, their lives are also being changed by exploring and learning about these generous communities. From the players and the tour, thank you!
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