(INDIAN WELLS, Ca.) – Indian Wells Golf Resort – the world-class golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley – announces it will be the host venue of the 2024 season-ending “Race for the Card” Epson Tour Championship contested on its celebrated Players Course, Oct. 3 – 6.
The John Fought-designed Players Course, or “The Beast” as it’s known, is a classic championship layout featuring sculpted bunkering reminiscent of the handiwork of the brilliant golf course architect Dr. Alistair Mackenzie on his numerous designs around the world in the 1930s. Most of the holes are oriented to take full advantage of jaw-dropping vistas of the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa and San Bernardino mountain ranges as well as the majestic Eisenhower Mountain standing sentinel to the south.
With the field playing a 72-hole stroke-play format for a purse of $250,000, the four-day tournament will mark the end of the 44th competitive season for the Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA Tour. In the last decade, the Epson Tour has grown from 15 tournaments and $1.6 million in prize money to $5 million awarded across 20 events this year. With more than 600 graduates and alumnae moving on to the LPGA Tour, former Epson Tour players have won 480 LPGA titles including 13 major championships.
“The City of Indian Wells is happy to welcome the 2024 Epson Tour Championship to the Indian Wells Golf Resort,” said Indian Wells Mayor Greg Sanders. “It is an honor to have our community recognized as a premier golf and sporting event destination. We look forward to sharing all Indian Wells has to offer with players and golf enthusiasts and all others attending this signature event.”
The Epson Tour is introducing a structural change to its player rankings in 2024. This season transitions from a money-based ranking to a points-based system. Following a similar structure to the LPGA Tour, the season-long Race for the Card will see Epson Tour members compete for points in each official Epson Tour tournament, with a 30% increase in points value for the Epson Tour Championship at Indian Wells Golf Resort. The top ten point earners for the season will become fully exempt on the 2025 LPGA Tour.
“We are excited to partner with the City of Indian Wells for our season-ending championship as our athletes strive to achieve their dream of playing on the LPGA Tour,” said the Epson Tour’s Chief Business and Operations Officer, Jody Brothers. “Indian Wells Golf Resort is one of the esteemed municipal golf facilities in the U.S., and the superb Players Course is ideal to showcase the exceptional talent of our tour.”
“Indian Wells Golf Resort will be the perfect locale for the Epson Tour to end their 2024 season in grand style,” says Robin Graf, General Manager. “Our Players Course is an exceptional test of golf and we look forward to seeing these great athletes test their skills for the chance to compete at the highest level of the women’s game.”
In addition to the Players Course, Indian Wells Golf Resort also features its acclaimed Celebrity Course, which earned GOLF Channel’s GolfPass recognition in 2023 as one of the “50 Most Popular Courses in the U.S.” Designed by architect Clive Clark and colloquially referred to as “Beauty,” The Celebrity features aesthetically pleasing water features, colorful wildflowers and narrow corridors placing an emphasis on shot making.
Beginners and avid golfers alike can sharpen their skills at the acclaimed Golf Academy at Indian Wells Golf Resort as well as experience expert club-fitting in their state-of-the-art Trackman swing bays or enjoy social evenings on the family-friendly putting course during “Shots in the Night.”
The VUE Grille & Bar, located in the resort’s stunning 53,000-square-foot clubhouse, boasts award-winning cuisine and an extensive selection of wine and spirits complemented by gorgeous views of the property and top-of-the-line customer care. The VUE is the preeminent location in the region to dine while also enjoying watching major sporting events on its many high-definition televisions.
Indian Wells Golf Resort is also the ideal destination for weddings, meetings and other group outings, highlighted by the in-demand pavilion accommodating up to 700 guests and event lawn spaces accommodating a combined 1,300. The resort’s Celebrity Ballroom is another premier event space, with a beautiful outdoor patio and a total capacity of 250 guests.
For more information about Indian Wells Golf Resort stay-and-play packages call 760.346.4653 or visit https://indianwellsgolfresort.com/stay_and_play/.
