ANNIKA WAPT Teams Up with Crystal Mountain and Michigan PGA to Elevate Michigan Women's Open in 2026
[Dallas TX] – The ANNIKA Women's All-Pro Tour (WAPT) proudly announces a new partnership with Crystal Mountain and the Michigan PGA, establishing the Michigan Women's Open as an official event on the ANNIKA WAPT schedule beginning in 2026. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for women's professional golf in Michigan, offering aspiring female athletes a clearer pathway to the LPGA Tour.
The Michigan Women's Open, a long-standing and respected championship, will now gain enhanced visibility, increased prize money, and a stronger field of competitors as a result of its integration into the ANNIKA WAPT. The ANNIKA WAPT is a professional golf tour dedicated to providing a competitive platform for women golfers to develop their skills and prepare for the LPGA Tour.
"We are thrilled to welcome the Michigan Women's Open to the ANNIKA WAPT," said Gary DeSerrano, Founder of the ANNIKA WAPT. "Crystal Mountain and the Michigan PGA have established the event as one of the best women’s state opens in the country. We look forward to furthering the strength of the event as an official event on our schedule moving forward."
Crystal Mountain, a four-season family-owned resort renowned for its championship golf courses and exceptional hospitality, will continue to serve as the host venue for the Michigan Women's Open. The event will be held on the resort’s signature course, Mountain Ridge, which recently earned recognition from the Michigan Golf Course Association as the 2025 Michigan Golf Course of the Year. Crystal Mountain’s commitment to providing a premier experience for players and spectators alike has been instrumental in the tournament's success.
“Hosting an event of this caliber on our recognized Mountain Ridge course speaks volumes to the competitive and quality golf we have here at Crystal, and in northern Michigan,” said John Melcher, Crystal Mountain CEO. “Our entire team is eager to roll out the red carpet for the players, their guests, the ANNIKA WAPT staff, and our friends from the Michigan PGA. We sincerely hope this experience will inspire many future visits back to Benzie County, as well as our surrounding communities.”
The Michigan PGA, a leader in promoting and growing the game of golf throughout the state, has been a driving force behind the Michigan Women's Open for many years. Their expertise and dedication will be invaluable in ensuring the smooth execution and continued success of the event as part of the ANNIKA WAPT.
"This partnership represents a pivotal moment for women's professional golf in Michigan," commented Kevin Helm, Executive Director of the Michigan PGA. "By joining forces with the ANNIKA WAPT, we are creating a more robust and exciting platform for the Michigan Women's Open, which will benefit players, fans, and the entire golf community."
The 2026 Michigan Women's Open, presented by Coca-Cola, is scheduled to be played June 30-July 2, 2026 with the pro-am on June 29th. In addition to the coveted tournament title, the event will also provide the top two finishers with an exemption into an Epson Tour event during the 2026 season. Points and money earned at the tournament will be official on the tour’s season-long Callaway Race 2 Qualifying program, where the top five athletes earn Epson Tour status and automatic advancement to Stage two of LPGA Qualifying. Further details regarding the tournament schedule, prize money, and player registration will be announced in the coming months.
About the ANNIKA WAPT:
The ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour (WAPT) was established in 2019 to provide a premier developmental opportunity for female golf professionals to hone their competitive skills while preparing for a life on the Epson and LPGA Tours. Through its partnership with the LPGA’s Epson Tour, the ANNIKA WAPT provides weekly opportunities for players to earn exemptions to select Epson Tour events. At the end of each season, the top five points winners on the Callaway Race To Q2 earn advancement directly to Stage II of LPGA qualifying and the top 20 on the ANNIKA 20 presented by Southern Company will be awarded an LPGA Qualifying Scholarship. Follow the WAPT online at www.wapt.golf, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Crystal Mountain:
Crystal Mountain is a premier four-season destination in Thompsonville, Michigan, about 30 miles southwest of Traverse City and Cherry Capital Airport. The 1500-acre resort offers two championship golf courses, a wide variety of lodging accommodations, dining, shopping, the award-winning Crystal Spa, and seasonal outdoor recreation, including skiing and Michigan’s only Alpine Slide.
About the Michigan PGA:
The Michigan PGA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the game of golf and serving its members throughout the state of Michigan.
Media Contact
Marissa McCardell, Communications Director, ANNIKA WAPT
marissa@kgsportsco.com
559-862-6850 cell
