The 2026 Island Resort Championship presented by Delta County Chamber is back up for grabs – and so is the Pure Michigan Cup. Last year, Melanie Green won this Epson Tour event – her first professional victory – en route to becoming an LPGA Tour rookie, so she will not be defending her title this week.
This is the final event in the Michigan Swing, so Lauryn Nguyen and Lauren Olivares – the last two winners – are battling it out for the bonus money from the Pure Michigan Cup prize, which goes to the top three performers in this Michigan stretch. Olivares is slightly leading Nguyen, with Malaysia’s Mirabel Ting currently in third.
In addition to the Michigan prize money, there’s more up for grabs at this event: The Bassters. Players pair up in a fishing competition for $1,000. The biggest fish takes home the cash.
With beloved traditions and a consistent track record – this is the tournament’s 15th year, all of which have been played at Sweetgrass Golf Club – it’s no surprise the Island Resort Championship won the 2025 Best Player Activation Award.
Who to Watch at the 2026 Island Resort Championship
33 Epson Tour rookies will be competing this week, and the field spans players from five different countries. The three sponsor invites this week are all amateurs.
Second Time’s the Charm: Rachel Niskanen (a) Returns to Island Resort
Rachel Niskanen, a rising senior at Central Michigan University, went to high school down the road from Sweetgrass Golf Club. This will be Niskanen’s second year at the Island Resort Championship, and she’s ready to tee it up again despite the nerves. She told Upper Michigan’s Source, “I’ve been shaking on that first tee, so might as well do it again. Might as well have fun, and yeah, just play my game.”
Racing for the Card: Mirabel Ting Proves Why She’s an Annika Award Winner
Currently ranked 7th in the Epson Tour’s Race for the Card, Mirabel Ting has been playing consistently well this season. The 2025 Annika Award winner and Florida State alumna, Ting has made the cut in 8 of her 9 events and has finished in the top 10 six times. The last two weeks, she’s placed 3rd or tied for 3rd. She’s trending in the right direction during a week where she can win the bonus purse from the Pure Michigan Cup.
In the Red: Carla Bernat Escuder Is Making Moves
You’ve heard us mention Carla Bernat Escuder often in our recaps this year. This Epson Tour rookie has made every cut this season and has shot under par 8 of her 9 starts (she shot even par overall in her debut). Her best finish was solo second at the IOA Championship, and her lowest overall score – 16-under – at the Reliance Matrix Championship earned her another top 5 finish. Currently ranked 3rd in the Race for the Card, everyone is waiting for Bernat Escuder’s breakthrough into the winner’s circle.
