The Epson Tour Championship will return to the Indian Wells Golf Resort for the third consecutive year, the City of Indian Wells announced. The season-ending showcase event will be held on the newly redesigned Players Course the week of September 28 - October 4, 2026. As the final tournament of the year, it will determine which players earn their LPGA Tour cards for the 2027 season, with the top 15 finishers on the season-long "Race for the Card" standings securing their status.
This year's tournament introduces significant changes that raise the stakes for competitors and enhance the spectator experience. The field has been limited to the top 80 players on the Race for the Card standings, ensuring that only the most consistent performers compete. Additionally, the 72-hole championship will feature a no-cut format for the first time, guaranteeing that all participants play all four rounds. The total purse has increased to $250,000, with the winner taking home $100,000—a first in the tour's 46-year history. These changes underscore the growing prominence of the Epson Tour as the official qualifying tour of the LPGA and reflect its mission to prepare the world's best female professional golfers for successful careers at the highest level.
The economic and cultural impact of hosting the championship extends beyond the fairways. As a premier golf destination, Indian Wells benefits from increased visibility and tourism during the tournament week. "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," said Mayor Dr. Toper Taylor. The event also offers a rare chance for golf enthusiasts to participate in the official Pro-Am on Wednesday, playing alongside a future LPGA Tour star.
For the players, the championship represents a pivotal moment in their careers. The top 15 finishers will earn LPGA Tour cards, a life-changing achievement that opens doors to the highest level of professional golf. "Indian Wells has become the perfect stage for the Epson Tour to crown its season," 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." The Epson Tour has grown substantially in recent years, awarding $5 million across 20 events in 2025, up from $1.6 million a decade ago. Over 400 LPGA Tour titles have been won by Epson Tour alumni, including more than 50 major championships, highlighting the tour's critical role in developing top talent.
For more information on the Epson Tour Championship, visit www.epsontourchampionship.com. To learn more about the City of Indian Wells, visit www.CityOfIndianWells.org. Additional details about the Epson Tour can be found at www.epsontour.com.
