Final 36-holes on Saturday and Sunday to Be Streamed Worldwide
In a week when the Epson Tour is playing for the largest prize pool and winner’s check in Tour history, fans of the women’s game will be able to follow along on a variety of viewing platforms as players jockey for one of the Top 10 positions at season’s end to earn their LPGA Tour cards.
The purse for this week’s 72-hole event is the largest in Epson Tour history at $335,000 - approximately $135,000 more than the average tournament this year. The winner will receive a whopping $50,250. For comparison, the top money earner for the entire 15 event 2013 season earned $47,000.
“We are grateful to French Lick Resort for providing the Epson Tour and our athletes with this incredible opportunity,” said Mike Nichols, Chief Business Officer of LPGA Qualifying Tours. “We look forward to showcasing the scenic and challenging Pete Dye Golf Course and this important event to the entire world.”
Fans in the United States can tune-in on GolfChannel.com and lpga.com, as while international viewers can also tune-in on lpga.com.
“It’s a good indicator of where women’s golf is going,” said the Epson Tour’s top-ranked player, Lucy Li. “To see that kind of purse increase on one of the developmental tours is really awesome, and I think everyone’s super excited.”
“It’s good news, because I feel like there should be more coverage,” said Rebecca Lee-Bentham. “This will only help the tour and women’s golf.”
Having the event streamed means a lot to the women competing for this week’s title, but even more-so for the international players with family in their home country. Australian competitor, Soo Jin Lee, is excited to tell her family they’ll have a way to watch her play this weekend.
“That’s really cool,” said a shocked Lee. “I’m going to tell my parents to get up at 1 o’clock in the morning to watch.”
Streaming will happen on Saturday and Sunday’s third and final round, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
“It’s very exciting to have a live stream,” said Chanoknan Angurasaranee. “It helps promote the tour and everyone on this tour as well.”