While the Epson Tour takes a two-week break to reset for the second half of the season, some athletes keep their foot on the gas, never leaving competition mode. More than a handful of members stayed in Michigan after the Island Resort Championship to compete at the Michigan PGA Women’s Open presented by Coca-Cola. Those athletes represented well, making up five of the seven women finishing T4 or better.
Valentina Haupt took home the trophy in Michigan after missing back-to-back cuts on the Epson Tour. A 7-under final round helped the Floridian pass fellow Epson Tour member, Jillian Hollis and bank a $7,000 winner’s check. The 26-year-old carded six birdies, an eagle and a lone bogey on the day. Haupt finished the tournament at 9-under, good for a two-shot lead.
“This win means a lot to me because it’s not only my first pro win, but this was also my first ever pro tournament in 2019 so to see things come full circle it’s pretty cool,” said Haupt. “I have also been off the course for 7 months dealing with a pretty serious injury, so to be able to come back and play good at this event is more than I could ask for. I still have some ways to go with the recovery, but I guess it’s definitely moving on the right direction.”
Epson Tour veteran and 2022 Circling Raven Championship winner, Jillian Hollis finished in a share of second with Jessica Welch at 7-under. While the performance was an added bonus for Welch, the Georgia native knew her experience in Michigan would be positive regardless of her score.
“That tournament is so special because the course and location are amazing. I have some incredible people that I stay with and it’s a great chance to see some friends that I don’t get to see often throughout the season,” said Welch. “It leaves a really good taste in your mouth to play well before a break, and then it also gets you hyped up to come back and keep it rolling.”
Other top performances came from Jessica Porvasnik (T4) as well as Michigan native and defending champion, Sarah White (T4). Both Porvasnik and White made the cut in last week’s Island Resort Championship, finishing T11 and T23, respectively.
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