Epson Tour Championship tees off at Indian Wells Golf Resort

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Epson Tour Championship is back at Indian Wells Golf Resort for its third consecutive year. The first round of the tournament teed off on Thursday, as golfers begin the "Race for the Card."

The championship is the season-ending showcase event, the season-long tournament is called the "Race for the Card" as the top 15 finishers will earn their LPGA Tour cards for the 2027 season.

"For our athletes, it's a really, kind of exciting thing that they have to qualify for," Jody Brothers, the general manager of the tour, said. "And they circle this week on their schedule and say, that's where I want to be. You know, come the last couple days of September, in the first few of October here at DPS into our championship and in Indian Wells

This year, the golfers saw some changes to the tournament at Indian Wells. Not only are the playing on the newly renovated Players Course, but the format of the event has changed. The field is limited to the top 80 players on the Race for the Card standings, and the 72-hole championship is now a no-cut format.

"They've got a guaranteed purse of $300,000, and the winner is going to take home $100,000," Brothers said. "So, I think for our athletes, it's really the reward for a really long season. This is the next generation of great LPGA professionals."

Brothers said the tournament has extended its contract with Epson and Indian Wells Golf Resort for an additional three years. He said the partnership extends consistency for athletes and the excitement of hosting the season-ending tournament in the Coachella Valley.

"The city's really embraced this event, and the LPGA has a long, long history in the Coachella Valley," Brothers said. "I think, the fact that we're here sort of touches on the past, but also gives the city and the in the valley a glimpse of the future as well."

The Epson Tour Championship will be at the Indian Wells Golf Resort until October 4. The event is open to the public, and information can be found HERE.