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, presented by the City of Indian Wells, will mark a significant milestone in the 46-year history of the Epson Tour, as the winner will receive $100,000 for the first time. The total purse is $250,000.
This year's championship introduces key format changes: the field is limited to the top 80 players in the Race for the Card standings, and the 72-hole event will have no cut, ensuring all competitors play the full four rounds. Following the tournament, the top 15 finishers in the season-long Race for the Card will earn LPGA Tour cards for the 2027 season.
For local businesses and the regional economy, the tournament represents a substantial boost. The Coachella Valley, already a renowned golf destination, will welcome players, caddies, officials, and fans, driving hotel occupancy, dining, and retail activity. The Pro-Am on Wednesday offers golf enthusiasts a rare chance to play alongside a future LPGA star, further enhancing the event's appeal and community engagement.
"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."
Jody Brothers, GM of the Epson Tour, emphasized the partnership: "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. 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 Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour of the LPGA, has seen remarkable growth, expanding from 15 tournaments and $1.6 million in prize money a decade ago to $5 million across 20 events in 2025. Over 400 LPGA Tour titles, including more than 50 major championships, have been won by Epson Tour alumni. For more details, visit www.epsontourchampionship.com and www.CityOfIndianWells.org. Follow the tour at www.epsontour.com.
Indian Wells Golf Resort, owned by the City of Indian Wells and managed by Troon, features two award-winning courses and has hosted prestigious events like Golf Channel's Big Break. Its recognition in Condé Nast Traveler's "Top 15 California Golf Resorts" underscores its status as a top-tier destination, and the Epson Tour Championship further solidifies the area's reputation as a hub for world-class golf.
