DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The “Road to the LPGA” is not always the easiest journey for Epson Tour athletes. It can be lonely, costly, and make the players wonder how long they can keep competing. Thankfully, they do have people in their corner trying to lighten the load, including the Official Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Partners of the Epson Tour.

What is an Official DEI Partner?

An Official DEI Partner plays many roles in the success of the Tour and is a large factor in the growth of the women’s game. The biggest impact DEI Partners have is lowering the entry fees athletes pay each week. Previously, Epson Tour athletes were paying $500 per event, while their male counterparts on the Korn Ferry Tour paid $0. Partners like Epson, Accenture and Reliance Matrix help lower that number and bridge the gap between tours.

Outside of lowering the entry fees, partners get a first-hand view of life on tour, playing in Pro-Ams, and getting to know the athletes. Establishing these connections can lead to additional opportunities for players, including sponsorship through ambassador programs.

Regardless of the level of involvement, each partner plays a crucial part in improving the lives of Epson Tour athletes. Meet the 2024 Official DEI Partners of the Epson Tour:

Epson

In addition to being the Tour’s title sponsor, Epson paved the way by becoming the tour’s lead Official DEI Partner, furthering their impact on the athletes. The Epson team gets to know many athletes throughout the season through Pro-Ams, special events and an ambassador program for the athletes who graduate and move on to the LPGA Tour. Additionally, Epson has taken one more expense away from athletes who finish 11-35th in the Race for the Card standings and are exempt into the final qualifying stage of LPGA Qualifying School, covering their entry fee. This allows those athletes to focus on golf, rather than worry about the financial side of getting one step closer to their dream of playing on the LPGA Tour.

In 2024, Epson has provided athletes with multiple off-course activities as well to help them build relationships, establish support networks and get involved in the communities where they play.

“We didn’t only want to put our name on the Epson Tour; we wanted to find ways to invest in players chasing their dream of the LPGA Tour and support them once that dream becomes a reality.” said Kendra Jones, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, Epson America, Inc. “We are so excited to have Accenture, Reliance Matrix and Black Desert Resort join us to help these incredible athletes continue to pursue their dreams of playing on the LPGA Tour. We love seeing the other DEI Partners embracing the Epson Tour and encourage more companies to join us!”

Accenture

Accenture continues to be an Official DEI Partner for the LPGA and Epson Tours. As part of Accenture’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity, the company is helping make golf more accessible by alleviating some of the financial burdens athletes face throughout the season. Helping break through the affordability barrier is one way Accenture is helping the LPGA and Epson Tour be more inclusive to participating athletes.

Reliance Matrix

A leading Philadelphia-based insurance and absence management company, Reliance Matrix joined the Epson Tour as an Official DEI Partner in 2024 and has already made advancements to better the lives of the athletes and impact the communities in which the Tour plays. Through Pro-Am and other tournament experiences, Reliance Matrix will immerse staff, brokers and clients in the professional golf world, meeting players, learning their stories and witnessing firsthand the excellence and professionalism that abounds. Additionally, they’ve invested in two brand ambassadors, Savannah Vilaubi and Carley Cox Pruette, who proudly wear the Reliance Matrix logo and engage with Reliance Matrix’s extended community as they compete on the Epson Tour.

“We are thrilled to have started our partnership with the Epson Tour this year,” said Chris Fazzini, president and CEO of Reliance Matrix. “The talent and resolve demonstrated by the players is remarkable, making them outstanding role models not only for aspiring professional athletes the world over, but young people everywhere who aspire to be preeminent in any field. We look forward to a long and, ideally, growing affiliation with the Epson Tour family.”

Black Desert Resort

Black Desert Resort is the newest Official DEI Partner and has committed to increasing purse sizes for the second half of the season. Thanks to their partnership, the last 10 tournament purses will increase by $37,500 each for a total commitment of $375,000. The Southern Utah resort hosted the Black Desert Championship in 2023 and after elevating their event to an LPGA tournament in 2025, wanted to stay involved with the Tour and impact the athletes they formed connections with the year prior.

“In pursuit of our elevating women's golf, Black Desert is delighted to have partnered with the Epson Tour to preserve the purse for the players in 2024," said Patrick Manning, managing partner of Black Desert Resort. "Trying to open our resort in time for the PGA TOUR this October, and hosting the LPGA the following Spring, resulted in not having the bandwidth to also host the Epson Tour tournament this August; but still providing the money as though we were, ensures the season purse remains intact. I just want the players to know we love them."

Without partners like these, the journey and the obstacles athletes face would be much more difficult. Epson, Accenture, Reliance Matrix and Black Desert Resort are invested in the talent, well-being, stories and future of the Epson Tour, providing means and pathways for them to achieve their dreams of being the next LPGA Tour star. More information about the DEI partnership can be found HERE.

Meet the 2024 Epson Tour DEI Partners

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