LPGA Epson Tour event moves to The Bear as Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation expands partnership as Title Sponsor
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — October 5, 2026 — The Great Lakes Sports Commission (GLSC) today announced that the LPGA Epson Tour’s Great Lakes Championship will move to The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in 2027 and be renamed the Grand Traverse Championship at The Bear.
The 2027 event will take place June 14–20, 2027, featuring two Pro-Am competitions, sponsor and community events, and three days of Epson Tour championship play. The championship will also continue as the second stop of the Pure Michigan Cup.
The move represents an expanded partnership with the Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation (GTBEDC), which will become the tournament’s Title Sponsor after supporting the event’s Pro-Am during its first two years through Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel.
“From the beginning, we saw this tournament as an opportunity to do much more than sponsor a great golf event. It is an opportunity to bring people to Northern Michigan, showcase our region and create meaningful economic activity for our communities,” said Johnny Barrientoz, CEO of the Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation. “Our experience as the Pro-Am Sponsor over the first two years demonstrated the potential of this championship, and we are excited to take the next step as Title Sponsor. Bringing the Grand Traverse Championship at The Bear allows us to welcome these outstanding athletes, sponsors and spectators to our community and continue building something that can have a lasting impact on the region.”
The championship enters 2027 with strong momentum following two successful years at The Highlands. The event was recognized as the Epson Tour’s “Best New Event” after its 2025 debut and has already produced two memorable finishes, with Riley Smyth winning in 2025 and Lauren Olivares capturing the 2026 title in a sudden-death playoff.
Beyond the competition, the championship has generated economic activity, supported charitable and community initiatives, and brought together professional athletes, sponsors, volunteers and fans from across Northern Michigan.
“The success of the championship over the last two years has given us tremendous momentum as we look toward 2027,” said Eric Marvin, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Sports Commission. “We are extremely grateful to The Highlands, Boyne Resorts and their staff for helping us establish the event, and especially to the many volunteers who gave so much of their time and energy to make it successful.”
“Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation believed in the championship from the outset, and their expanded commitment as Title Sponsor creates an exciting opportunity to take the event to another level. The Bear provides an outstanding championship setting, and we look forward to continuing to grow the event’s impact while showcasing Northern Michigan as a destination for major sporting events.”
2027 Championship Week
The Grand Traverse Championship at The Bear will be held June 14–20, 2027, with activities planned throughout Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and other GTBEDC properties.
- Monday, June 14: Player arrivals, tournament preparation and practice activities
- Tuesday, June 15: Official practice rounds and tournament Opening Party
- Wednesday, June 16: Grand Traverse Championship at The Bear Pro-Am #1
- Thursday, June 17: Grand Traverse Championship at The Bear Pro-Am #2
- Friday, June 18: First round of Epson Tour championship competition
- Saturday, June 19: Second round of championship competition
- Sunday, June 20: Final round and crowning of the 2027 Grand Traverse Championship at The Bear winner
Additional sponsor, community, player and hospitality events will be announced as tournament-week plans are finalized.
The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
The Grand Traverse Championship at The Bear will be contested on The Bear, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Jack Nicklaus signature course.
Opened in 1985, The Bear is known as one of Michigan’s most challenging championship courses. Its demanding design and setting at one of Northern Michigan’s premier destination resorts will provide a distinctive new test for Epson Tour professionals competing on the pathway to the LPGA Tour.
Additional details regarding sponsorships, Pro-Am opportunities, volunteer registration, hospitality and spectator information will be announced in the coming months.
Visit the Grand Traverse Championship website →
About the Great Lakes Sports Commission
The Great Lakes Sports Commission works to attract, develop and support sporting events, facilities and opportunities that generate economic activity, strengthen communities and enhance Northern Michigan’s position as a premier sports destination.
About Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation
Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation is owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Its portfolio includes Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge and other enterprises focused on creating sustainable economic opportunities for the Grand Traverse Band and communities throughout Northern Michigan.
About the Epson Tour
The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour, providing professional golfers from around the world the opportunity to compete and advance toward the highest level of women’s professional golf.
Media Contacts
Eric Marvin
Great Lakes Sports Commission
emarvin@greatlakessc.org
231-267-8024
Caroline Rizzo
Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation
Caroline.rizzo@gtresort.com
231-492-5594
Carly Haines
Marketing and Partnerships Manager
Epson Tour
carly.haines@lpga.com
914-672-0114