News Summary
The Atlantic Beach Classic will start the 2026 Epson Tour, showcasing aspiring female golfers from March 5 to 7 at the Atlantic Beach Country Club. With a $250,000 purse and 500 Race Points, this event is crucial for competitors aiming for LPGA Tour status. The Epson Tour, acting as the official qualifying tour for the LPGA, has a rich history of developing golf talent, with over 600 successful alumnae. This year’s tournament promises to be an exciting kickoff for the season, set against the beautiful Florida backdrop.
Epson Tour Kicks Off 2026 Season with Atlantic Beach Classic
Golf fans, get ready for an exciting season ahead! The Atlantic Beach Classic is set to launch the 2026 Epson Tour, a significant stepping stone for aspiring female golfers looking to make their mark on the LPGA Tour. Mark your calendars, because from March 5 to March 7, the beautiful Atlantic Beach Country Club will host this spectacular event.
Key Details of the Season Opener in Florida
The Atlantic Beach Classic has quickly established itself on the Epson Tour calendar, having been part of the series since 2024. This year, it serves not only as the season opener but as a crucial competition where future stars can showcase their skills. With a impressive prize purse of $250,000 and 500 Race Points at stake, this tournament promises to be a thrilling start to the season.
The course is a challenging par 71 that spans approximately 6,300 yards, ensuring that both competitors and spectators alike will enjoy a weekend filled with golf action.
What is the Epson Tour’s Role?
The Epson Tour is not just another golf circuit; it serves as the official qualifying tour for the LPGA Tour. Often dubbed the “Road to the LPGA,” its main goal is to provide an essential platform for young women professionals to hone their skills and gain valuable competitive experience through structured events held throughout the country.
For many golfers, their journey to LPGA success begins here. Each season, the top performers in the Race for the Card standings earn their coveted LPGA Tour status for the following year. The excitement builds as the top 10 finishers secure full LPGA Tour membership, while those ranked from 11th to 15th earn conditional membership. It’s a thrilling race that keeps fans on the edge of their seats!
A History of Nurturing Golf Talent
The 2026 season marks the 46th competitive season for the Epson Tour, having transformed from its origins as the Tampa Bay Mini Tour back in 1981. Over the years, it has evolved, rebranding itself as the Futures Tour in 1983 and becoming the designated LPGA developmental circuit in 1999. In 2007, the tour was fully acquired by the LPGA, marking a significant milestone in women’s golf.
Throughout its history, the tour has seen several name changes due to sponsorships, previously known as the Duramed Futures Tour (2006-2010) and the Symetra Tour (2012-2021), before officially becoming the Epson Tour in 2022. The impact of the Epson Tour is undeniable; more than 600 alumnae have graduated through this program to the LPGA Tour, with many becoming renowned golf champions. Each season typically features over 20 tournaments with prize purses ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 per event.
Atlantic Beach Classic 2026 Event Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Atlantic Beach Classic |
| Tour | Epson Tour (Official Qualifying Tour for LPGA Tour) |
| Start Date | March 5, 2026 |
| End Date | March 7, 2026 |
| Location | Atlantic Beach, Florida |
| Course | Atlantic Beach Country Club |
| Purse | $250,000 |
| Race Points Offered | 500 |
| Course Par | 71 |
| Course Yardage | 6,300 yards |
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