Two Michigan Tournaments Win Epson Tour Awards

Riley Smith tees off on eighteen at The Heather enroute to victory at the Great Lakes Championship.

Boyne’s Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands and the Island Resort Championship have been recognized by the Epson Tour for their commitment to “excellence, innovation and the overall experience of players and fans.”

Four awards. Two Michigan tournaments. Well done, Mitten State.

The Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands was named the Epson Tour’s “New Event of the Year.” .

I was thrilled to be a part of the inaugural tournament, attending the pre-tournament party, partipating in the pro am, and covering the tournament itself. I thought Boyne did a terrific job hosting the tournament, with amenities and a fan experience that was what I would expect from a much more established tournament.

The Great Lakes Championship is contested on The Heather, a 1966 Robert Trent Jones, Sr. course that is widely thought to have kicked off the Up North Michigan golf craze. Don’t let the 1966 date deceive you. The Heather has modern length at 7, 143 yards and a rating of 75.4.

I hope Boyne continues to host the tournament for years to come.

Sweetgrass Hole 15, a 168 yard “island” par 3

The Epson Tour also recognized the Upper Peninsula’s Island Resort Championship for the best player-focused event during tournament week. Held at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, the championship is contested on the incredible Sweetgrass course, which is in my top ten in Michigan. Perhaps even in my top five.

The Epson award was given for the tournament’s “Bassters” competition. In the Bassters, players compete in a fishing contest on the lake around the island green fifteenth hole.

I have not had the chance to go to the Island Resort to catch the Epson Tour tournament. Maybe this year.

The relevant parts of the Epson Tour press release follows:

New Event of the Year – Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands
The Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands was named New Event of the Year after a standout debut that set a high bar for first-year tournaments. From seamless operations to strong local engagement, the event made an immediate impact on players and fans alike, showcasing what’s possible when community support and championship golf come together. From grandstands to a player lounge, this team went above and beyond to elevate the look and feel of the tournament.
Best Player-Focused Event During Tournament Week – “The Bassters,” Island Resort Championship
The Island Resort Championship earned top honors for its player-focused programming with “The Bassters,” an experience designed to help athletes unwind and connect during tournament week. A competition like no other, “The Bassters” sees a limited number of athletes take on Sweetgrass Golf Club’s No. 15 Island Green, but with fishing poles rather than golf clubs. Prizes are awarded to the team (of two) that catches the most fish and the biggest fish. Thoughtful touches and intentional hospitality created a welcoming environment that players consistently praised as a highlight of their week.