Title Sponsor to provide yardage books, cover LPGA Q-Series fees and award two athletes who make a difference.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In just one year of being the title sponsor, the Seiko Epson Corporation has made several significant impacts on the official qualifying tour of the LPGA. The 2022 season saw lower entry fees, bigger purses and better opportunities for athletes to pursue their dreams.
Both Epson and the Epson Tour are excited to announce enhancements to the 2023 season. Following the change to the Rules of Golf, stating that only 2023 yardage books approved by the Epson Tour Rules Committee are allowed for use during tournament rounds, Epson decided to cover the expense of yardage books for athletes at each tournament this season.
“Having Epson support us by paying for our yardage guides this year is huge. For people on the outside, it’s just $30-35 for a book and not a big deal. But for us [athletes], if you look at the season and look at 22 events, it really adds up,” said Sophie Hausmann. “Lowering entry fees last year and helping out in this way this year are all small steps in the right direction. We, the players, really appreciate it, but it also shows how much Epson tries to help us out and support us. It’s not always about the big money, but also the little things that add up throughout the season that matter to us, so it’s great. It’s a positive thing starting out the season and really exciting.”
In addition to buying yardage books, as well as continuing efforts from last season, Epson will assist Nos. 11-35 on the Official Money List in their journey to LPGA Q-Series. Athletes who earn the exemption into the final stage of LPGA Q-School will have their entry fees covered.
“Since day one, Epson has worked hard to elevate our tour and take care of us. Last year they not only reduced our entry fees, but also offered sponsorship to our top ten players who earned LPGA status,” said Dorsey Addicks. “Covering the cost of Q-Series entry fees for players who finish 11th-35th is amazing. That money can go a long way for us and it says a lot about Epson’s commitment to our tour. It makes me proud to be an Epson Tour member knowing that our sponsor is looking out for us and that they understand the challenges we all face playing professional golf.”
In 2022, Epson added monetary value to the Heather Wilbur Spirit Award, generously giving the recipient $2,500. This year, the recipient will receive $5,000. Epson will also add another award to the end-of-the-season celebration, recognizing an athlete who goes above and beyond to serve both their community and the ones visited on tour. Like the Heather Wilbur Spirit Award, the Epson Community Achievement Award recipient will also receive $5,000.