The growth of women’s golf is undeniable. While there are significant strides to be made and more hurdles to jump, the fact is that women’s golf is growing and growing quickly. Players compete for more money and airtime, and the fields are more competitive than ever. This is reflected at the LPGA Tour level, but also the Epson Tour level. For the first time in the Epson Tour’s history, six players have broken the $100,000 mark on the season, two more players than any previous season. With all of that said, there are still three tournaments left to play in the 2023 season. That number could grow to seven, eight, or nine players cracking the $100,000 threshold, making it one of the most memorable seasons in recent years.
“Six athletes exceeding $100,000 in season earnings this year with the potential for a few more to break that barrier before the end of the season is a big step forward for the Epson Tour,” said Epson Tour Chief Business and Operations Officer Jody Brothers. “Our goal is to keep growing this total each and every season through the tremendous support of our sponsors.”
Minji Kang looks to be the next player to crack the $100,000 mark, sitting just under $4,000 short. One of the most promising signs is that two of the six players reached the threshold without a win on the season, with Kang looking to become the third player to do so. Solid play throughout an entire season is being rewarded like never before on the Epson Tour, with Natasha Andrea Oon being the primary example. Oon is currently No. 2 on the Official Money list without a win and without playing in every single event. While the rookie does have four runner-up finishes on the season, she is still chasing that first Epson Tour victory.
There is still $675,000 left in purses before the 2023 Epson Tour season comes to a close, with seven players within $25,000 of surpassing $100,000. Players chased the $100,000 mark because that all but secured an LPGA Tour card in the past. Looking at what is left to earn, the target number may have to rise, but that is a good problem to have.