Although there are no majors on the Epson Tour, this event has always been considered one by players because of the high purse.

Here are what some players had to say heading into the week.

PLAYER	WHAT THEY SAID
	“It absolutely feels like a major. They raised the bar for events on the Epson Tour so it’s fun to see it happen for the Tour and the game for women! I look forward to every event, but with this being one of the higher purses it would definitely jump you up in the race for the card (Volvik Race for the Card money list). With that said, I don’t think you change your game plan or put more emphasis than any other event.”- Ally McDonald, Fulton, Miss.
	“I’m super excited to be playing this week in Greenwood. It’s one of the events I really wanted to play in last year as a rookie, but wasn’t able to so I’m extremely blessed to be in the field and get my chance to compete this year! To me, every event has its own significance and we have the Tour and sponsors to thank for giving us that opportunity. It’s exciting to see how far the Tour has progressed and continues to grow each year by adding events and increasing purses. I do see this event as a major. Winning this event will be a life changer and I can’t wait to compete and be part of that this week!”- Amy Ruengmateekhun, Dallas, TX.
	“As Greenwood is very close to where I went to college at Augusta University, I have taken the time to visit my old team and friends at Augusta before the tournament. In a way, this is almost like a college reunion tour, where I’ll be heading from here to North Carolina, before I head back down to Atlanta. The event itself is something I’ve been looking forward to and as this is the fifth tournament of the year, I am excited to get an opportunity to play. The purse itself is amazing, 250,000 dollars is a lot of money no matter how you look at it. It is good to see that the purse size for women’s golf is increasing, it goes to show the growing interest in women’s golf. I am very happy to be part of the LPGA Epson Tour as it begins to become more prominent.”- Casey Kennedy, Venice, Fla.
	“I’ve heard so many great things about this event and how it’s a favorite for some players. I’m looking forward to playing this tournament for the first time and just having fun out there. To hear and read about the quality and purse of the tournament, it definitely has a major feel to it. Thus, it is really exciting to see the growing investment and commitment to women’s golf.”- Erynee Lee, Los Angeles, Calif., winner of the IOA Championship
	“The Greenwood event definitely feels like a major on the Epson Tour. Winning the Greenwood event is like winning two regular season events in one, which means a lot to players trying to make their way to the top 10 on the season-ending money list. It’s great that Greenwood’s support of the Epson Tour is making a difference by setting higher standards for the rest of our events and creating higher purses each year. Hopefully, the Tour will just continue to grow.”- Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Toronto, Canada
	“I am really looking forward to this week in Greenwood. Being a rookie, I have only been told how special this week is going to be so I can’t wait for it to get started. The $250,000 purse and the tournament being four days definitely makes it feel like a major. It will be a great experience to prepare us for the LPGA.”- Allison Emrey, Charlotte, N.C.
	“This is considered one of the biggest events of the year. With the elite field, the largest purse in Epson (Tour) history and the Legends Tour players it’s an honor to be a part of such a historic/big event. It really is a major for us on the Epson Tour.”- Laura DeMarco, LaSalle, Ontario
	“I’ve been looking forward to this event since I saw it on the schedule. Now that the season is in full swing, it has definitely been on my mind to prepare smartly and efficiently for every event, but definitely this one. Peaking at the right time for a big event is really important. All the events are important and significant in their own right, but it’s tough to ignore the extra importance of this one with its large purse. That being said, the golf ball doesn’t know the winner makes more this week, so I’m trying to treat it just as I treat every other week, with patience and hard work! It’s fun to think of it being like a major, and it’s really awesome to think that you could set up the rest of the season pretty well money-wise from a good finish this week. The Epson Tour has come a long way with having zero $200,000 purses prior to 2014, and I feel really grateful to be a part of the Tour at this time. We are truly lucky to be doing what we love and are able to make a comfortable living from increased purses like this one.”- Kaitlin Coons, Wilbraham, Mass.
	“I so look forward to this event! I have wonderful host housing that I stay with here in the community which makes the event even more fun. This event having such a large purse is incredible, but I think what makes it better is that the organizers and community are so proud of the tournament they put on for us.”- Stephanie Connelly, Rockville, Md.
	“This event was totally one of my favorite events last year so I’ve been excited since we left Greenwood last year. The whole community is really involved and it’s awesome for us players to get to places like this where we feel 100% help and support. This event is clearly something extra. With it being the highest purse of the season, it’s definitely an event that feels bigger than the rest of them. We’re lucky to have this event because it clearly raises the bar to the rest of the events on the Epson Tour.”- Julia Roth, Sweden.
	"I have been looking forward to this event since the last time I played two years ago. It definitely feels like a major being the biggest purse and a four day event. It's incredible what the Medford's have done with this tournament. They keep pushing the envelope by raising the purse and setting the standard for all of our other tournaments. Thank you for your support and belief in our tour!”- Jackie Stoelting, Vero Beach, Fla.
	"Greenwood is a very special event! The community support and big purse created a new standard on the Epson Tour. We are fortunate to partner with such a great community!”- Emma Jandel, Dayton, Ohio
	"Not only does this event feel like a major because it is the biggest purse on the schedule, Jim and Denise Medford go above and beyond with their hospitality while the tour is in Greenwood. We feel extremely welcome driving into Stoney Point and truly appreciate all the local support throughout the community."- Jennie Lee, Henderson, Nev.
	"This is our biggest event of the year and I'm excited to be back in Greenwood. The community here makes us feel very welcome and there is a real buzz in the atmosphere. With the purse being raised to $250,000, there's no doubt that this feels like a major for us. The bar has been set high thanks to Jim and Denise Medford.”- Olivia Jordan-Higgins, St. Helier, Jersey, UK
	"I'm really looking to playing this week. This will be my first time in South Carolina and I'm excited to play this week! Honestly, I will treat this just like another event. It's nice that the purse is set so high but I'm just glad to have the opportunity to be here!”- Madchen Ly, Clovis, Calif.
	"I've been looking forward to coming back to Greenwood since we started the year. The Medfords go above and beyond in every aspect of the tournament and make us feel like superstars. With a purse at $250,000, this week alone can change the course of a player's season so it definitely has a different aura than any other week of the year.” - Caroline Powers, Bowling Green, Ohio
	"Greenwood is on of the best spots on Tour! This will be my third year playing this event and it seems to top itself every year. The players all talk about "the week in greenwood" and how we call can't wait to be there. Of course this feels like a major. The combination of course,club, and prize money is the best all year. The medfords and the entire golf club are wonderful advocates of women's golf." - Catherine O’Donnell, Ponte Vedra, Florida

Players React to 'Major Feel' and Largest Purse

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