Through a partnership announced in November 2025, the NEXT Golf Tour powered by Trackman has awarded a top performing female athlete with three Epson Tour opportunities following the NEXT World Series.

Sweden’s Matilda Cederholm will take on the Official Qualifying Tour’s Midwest stretch, earning exemptions into the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship, Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands, and the Island Resort Championship.

“It feels unreal to be honest. I still can’t believe it. I don’t think it’s going to sink in for a while, but I’m really excited about it,” said Cederholm. “Teeing it up in these professional events is going to mean so much being a professional golfer, and this is going to be my first real year trying. Just having the opportunity to play against some of the best in the U.S. and see how I can compare against them will be amazing.”

Cederholm was the second-highest female finisher in the 2026 NEXT World Series following a 6-under performance in round three, which was virtually played on Ireland’s Adare Manor, with the help of Trackman technology.

“Playing on the NEXT Golf Tour has built a lot of confidence for me,” said Cederholm. “Being able to compete during the wintertime, when there’s not normally that many tournaments, is so good to just keep the competitive mindset. It’s just been an amazing opportunity for me.”

The former Texas State University Bobcat will make her first Epson Tour start in Battle Creek, Mich., from June 12-14 at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship. Cederholm turned professional during the 2024 season, and while she would have to win one of her Epson Tour starts to take membership, the opportunities can help her build confidence as she begins her journey to reach the LPGA.

LPGA Tour rookie and 2026 NEXT World Series female winner, Mohan Du, also finished at 6-under par. The Republic of China native earned 2026 LPGA Tour status through the Final Qualifying Stage of 2025 LPGA Q-Series, deeming her ineligible to earn the Epson Tour exemptions.

“The Next Tour has been a great help towards my golf career,” said Du. “I’m always excited to play and the events keep my golf game competitive during the off-season. The preparation work itself is a pure grind, and to get more dialed in for my game and be able to have a victory is such a confidence booster to get ready for the season.”

“We are thrilled to award Matilda with three Epson Tour exemptions throughout our Mid-West stretch,” said Jody Brothers, General Manager of the Epson Tour. “The NEXT Golf Tour is highly competitive and as a developmental league, we embrace this alternative tournament format fully. I look forward to seeing Matilda compete against some of the top next generation LPGA stars in Michigan this June.”

The impact the NEXT Golf Tour has made on Cederholm could have previously never happened without this partnership unlocking competition, visibility, and advancement for women all year round, across the entire world.

“Golf has entered a new era where data, technology, and competition come together to create opportunities. By partnering with the Epson Tour through the NEXT Golf Tour, we are opening a new door for women in golf — one where geography, season or resources no longer define who gets to compete,” said Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen, CEO and co-founder of Trackman.

Matilda Cederholm Earns Epson Tour Exemptions Through NEXT Golf Tour Partnership

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