Epson Tour Championship Returns to Indian Wells with Record Purse and No-Cut Format

The City of Indian Wells will host the Epson Tour Championship for the third consecutive year, with the season-ending tournament set for September 28 to October 4, 2026, on the newly redesigned Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort. The event will feature a limited field of the top 80 players in the Race for the Card standings and, for the first time in the tour's 46-year history, a no-cut format over 72 holes. The total purse is $250,000, with the winner receiving $100,000, marking the largest first-place prize in tour history. The top 15 finishers in the season-long Race for the Card will earn LPGA Tour cards for 2027.

The tournament's return to Indian Wells, a premier golf destination in Southern California, highlights the city's continued commitment to hosting major sporting events. "As a premier golf destination, we are excited to once again welcome the Epson Tour Championship to Indian Wells," said Dr. Toper Taylor, mayor of Indian Wells. "The Epson Tour brings some of the most talented professional women golfers to our community and provides an incredible opportunity for residents, visitors, and golf fans to experience championship-caliber competition right here in Indian Wells." The event is expected to draw significant attention from golf fans and media, further elevating the region's profile as a hub for world-class golf.

The Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour of the LPGA, has seen substantial growth in recent years, expanding from 15 tournaments and $1.6 million in prize money a decade ago to $5 million awarded across 20 events in 2025. Over 400 LPGA Tour titles have been won by Epson Tour alumni, including more than 50 major championships. For more information on the Epson Tour Championship, visit www.epsontourchampionship.com. Additional details about the City of Indian Wells are available at www.CityOfIndianWells.org.

In addition to the championship competition, golf fans have a rare opportunity to participate in the official Pro-Am on Wednesday of tournament week, playing alongside a future LPGA Tour star. "Indian Wells has become the perfect stage for the Epson Tour to crown its season, and we couldn't ask for a better partner in the City of Indian Wells," said Jody Brothers, GM of the Epson Tour. "The newly redesigned Players Course gives our athletes a true championship test, and the backdrop of the Coachella Valley creates an unforgettable setting for the final push toward LPGA Tour cards. This is where dreams are realized, and there's no place we'd rather do it." The tournament not only showcases emerging talent but also drives economic activity and tourism in the Coachella Valley, reinforcing the area's status as a top destination for sports and entertainment.

The Epson Tour Championship's enhanced format and record purse underscore the growing investment in women's professional golf. As the final event of the season, it serves as a critical stepping stone for players aiming to reach the LPGA Tour, with the top 15 earning their cards for 2027. The no-cut format ensures all 80 competitors play all four rounds, providing more opportunities for players to showcase their skills and for fans to follow their favorites. This change could increase viewership and engagement, benefiting sponsors and the tour alike. For more information on the Epson Tour, visit www.epsontour.com.