As the clock continues to tick, the 2026 Epson Tour season is just around the corner, kicking off at the Atlantic Beach Classic from March 5-7th. Whether you’re a newcomer discovering the “Road to the LPGA” or a returning fan ready to get back into full swing, here’s everything you need to know to dive in and follow the journey of tomorrow’s stars.

What Is the Epson Tour?

The Epson Tour serves as the Official Qualifying Tour for the LPGA Tour, often called the "Road to the LPGA." It's where up-and-coming female professional golfers compete to earn their spot on the biggest stage in women’s professional golf.

Established as the LPGA's primary feeder system, it features a mix of rookies, international talents, and veterans honing their skills while promoting women's golf globally. Events currently take place across the United States but draw players from around the world.

A Rich History of Growth

Tracing its roots to 1981 as the Tampa Bay Mini Tour in Florida, it soon after evolved into the Futures Tour in 1983 and became the LPGA’s official developmental circuit in 1999. The LPGA fully acquired the Tour in 2007, and sponsor-driven name changes followed: Duramed Futures Tour (2006-2010), Symetra Tour (2012-2021), and Epson Tour since 2022, courtesy of title sponsor Seiko Epson Corporation.

Celebrating its 46th season in 2026, the tour has expanded from regional roots into a national powerhouse, now hosting 19 tournaments across 14 states with a total purse of over $5 million in recent seasons.

Structure and Format

An Epson Tour season typically includes 20+ tournaments across the U.S., from March to October, mostly 54 and 72-hole stroke play events. Purses range from $200,000 to $400,000 per event, culminating at the Epson Tour Championship at Indian Wells. Players accumulate points based on weekly performance in a season-long "Race for the Card" system, fueling competition week after week.

Exciting updates to the 2026 season include the introduction of Local Qualifying Rounds (18-hole stroke-play qualifiers) for select events, offering Epson Tour professionals a fresh shot at earning spots in the main field. This marks the second time in tour history for such qualifiers, boosting athlete accessibility and opportunity.

The Race for the Card: Where Dreams Take Shape

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.

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.

Players and Eligibility

The Tour features about 250-300 players per season, including professionals and qualified amateurs (minimum age 17), with talents spanning from across the world, including Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Recent classes include college standouts like Latanna Stone, former child prodigies like Yana Wilson, and breakthrough winners like Gina Kim.

Exemptions into tournaments come via Q-School, sponsor exemptions, Monday qualifiers, or most commonly, Epson Tour priority rankings.

Notable Alumni and Success Stories

More than 600 Epson Tour graduates have advanced to the LPGA Tour, claiming over 400 victories and over 50 Major Championship titles.

Spotlight stars Nelly Korda, Inbee Park, Grace Kim, and recent grads like Ingrid Lindblad and Madelene Sagstrom all began their professional journeys on the Epson Tour, building the skills and resilience needed for the world’s biggest stage.

Why the Epson Tour Matters

Beyond developing elite talent, the Epson Tour fosters growth in women's golf by creating opportunities for underrepresented athletes, boosting global visibility, and offering an affordable, intimate fan experience. It inspires the next generation of girls in the sport while fueling the LPGA’s ongoing expansion.

How to Follow and Get Involved

View extended coverage and season-long content series on the Epson Tour's YouTube channel, ROAD2LPGA.
Catch highlights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and live updates on social media: (Facebook, Instagram, X).
Listen to the “Dream Chasing” podcast for inspiring and personal athlete stories.
Visit EpsonTour.com for full schedules, live leaderboards, results, and ticket information.

For locals of tournament locations, attending in person is unbeatable, as they are fan-friendly with close access to players.

Recent Highlights

To get pumped for 2026, revisit the magic of 2025. Check out the Epson Tour’s “10 Moments that Still Give Us Chills,” including Gina Kim’s dominant three-win season and other unforgettable highlights that showcase the talent and heart on display. Follow along, and you might just witness the next big breakout star!

The Ultimate Guide to the Epson Tour: Your Road to the LPGA in 2026

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