The Epson Tour’s highly competitive Michigan swing reaches its thrilling conclusion this week as the field travels to the Upper Peninsula for the 15th annual Island Resort Championship presented by Delta County Chamber. Hosted at the scenic and demanding Sweetgrass Golf Club in Harris, Michigan, this tournament serves as the high-stakes final stop of the Pure Michigan Cup, where crucial bonus money and valuable Race for the Card points will be finalized. With a $225,000 purse on the line and the season crossing its midway point, the pressure to perform has never been higher for players looking to secure their graduate path to the LPGA Tour. The challenging parkland layout—featuring complex green complexes and the famous island-green 15th hole—promises to test every facet of the players' games. From seasoned veterans seeking a return to the elite ranks to a crop of dynamic rookies riding wave after wave of summer momentum, the storylines in the U.P. are rich. Here are four players to watch as the battle for the graduation spots heats up at Sweetgrass.

Catherine Park

Catherine Park is another formidable young talent making waves as she headlines the field at the Island Resort Championship. The USC star and dynamic All-American has generated significant buzz with her powerful long game and fearless competitive mindset. Park has already demonstrated an ability to contend on big stages, having put together a stellar collegiate career that featured numerous individual titles and an appearance in the Augusta National Women's Amateur.

Her transition to the Epson Tour has been highly anticipated, being a part of the inaugural LPGA Collegiate Advancement Pathway graduate class. Park has only competed in two Epson Tour events thus far and has already racked up a T31 and T9 finish at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship and Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands. Sweetgrass Golf Club offers plenty of scoring opportunities for players who can drive the ball effectively, giving Park an advantage if she finds her rhythm off the tee. If she can string together three consistent rounds, Park has all the tools necessary to find herself sitting at the top of the leaderboard come Sunday afternoon.

Valery Plata

Valery Plata enters the week looking to leverage her previous LPGA Tour experience and international flair into a massive week at the Island Resort Championship. The Colombian national and Michigan State University product is no stranger to the state's unique golfing conditions, having enjoyed a spectacular collegiate career right here in the mitten state where she was named Big Ten Player of the Year. Plata earned her LPGA Tour card for the 2023 season through LPGA Q-Series. Her game relies on exceptional short-game touch and an ability to remain patient when conditions get tough. Returning to Michigan always seems to bring out the best in Plata's game, having made the last two cuts and finishing T42 and T29, making this event a perfect comfort-zone opportunity for her to thrive. Expect her to use that familiar comfort and elite pedigree to mount a serious charge at the title this week.

Haylee Harford Sanchez

Haylee Harford Sanchez enters the Island Resort Championship as a seasoned competitor with a proven track record of success on the Epson Tour. The Furman University alumna already has a successful start to the 2026 Epson Tour season, coming off a T12 finish at last week’s Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands. After spending time competing on the LPGA Tour, Harford-Sanchez brings invaluable experience back to this week's field in Harris, Michigan. Her ability to navigate the pressures of professional golf makes her a constant threat, especially on a challenging track where course management is premium. Sanchez had a strong showing at the Island Resort Championship in 2025 coming in third place, and a strong performance this week could be the catalyst she needs to jumpstart her push back toward the top of the Race for the Card standings. Keep a close eye on her veteran composure as she looks to add another impressive chapter to her Michigan stretch resume.

Sadie Englemann

Sadie Englemann arrives at the Island Resort Championship carrying plenty of momentum and a highly decorated amateur pedigree. The recent Stanford University standout was an integral part of the Cardinal’s powerhouse golf program, helping lead her team to an NCAA National Championship while earning All-American honors. Having recently transitioned into the professional ranks, Englemann has quickly shown that her precise iron play and high golf IQ transfer seamlessly to the Epson Tour. After a successful week in Harbor Springs, Michigan Englemann finished T7, highlighted by a final round of 66. The Sweetgrass Golf Club layout rewards sharp approach shots, playing right into Englemann’s primary strengths. Back-to-back breakthrough weeks here in Michigan would not only validate her rapid professional development but also announce her as a serious contender for an LPGA Tour card.

Race for the Card Points List Breakdown

The real thrill lies in the Race for the Card points standings. At season’s end, the top 15 finishers secure LPGA Tour status for the next season.

The top 10 earn Category 9 status.
Nos. 11-15 receive Category 16 status, plus entry into LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying for a chance to upgrade to Category 15.

Here is the current Race for the Card leaderboard:

Amari Avery – 1141.717
Lauren Olivares – 1128.650
Carla Bernat Escuder - 854.750
Kaleiya Romero - 811.067
Mariel Galdiano - 799.360
Annabelle Pancake-Webb – 790.083
Mirabel Ting - 760.333
Lauryn Nguyen – 739.333
Megan Schofill – 731.475
Cholcheva Wongras – 662.750
Liqi Zeng – 635.880
Jeongeun Lee6 – 597.500
Rachel Kuehn – 559.500
Maddie McCrary-Civello – 542.583
Jenny Coleman – 531.666

Players to Watch at the Island Resort Championship presented by Delta County Chamber

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