The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour for the LPGA Tour, serving as a developmental pathway for professional women golfers. Established in 1981, the tour was originally called the Tampa Bay Mini Tour before being renamed the Futures Tour. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes, becoming the Duramed Futures Tour in 2006 and later the Symetra Tour in 2012. In 2022, Epson took over as the title sponsor, marking a new era for the tour’s growth and visibility.
The tour has played a crucial role in advancing the careers of many top LPGA players, with former graduates winning 134 LPGA Tour titles, including 20 major championships .
Black Players on the Epson Tour
Black women continue to make strides in professional golf, competing at the highest levels in the LPGA and Epson Tours. Here’s a look at six talented athletes—Lakareber Abe, Paige Crawford, Amari Avery, Anita Uwadia, Georgia Oboh, and Mariah Stackhouse—and their impact on the sport.
Lakareber Abe, originally from Alabama is 28 years old and first joined the Epson Tour in 2018, made her LPGA Tour debut in 2022. She was a standout golfer at the University of Alabama, earning multiple accolades during her collegiate career. Abe has since pursued a professional career, playing in Epson Tour events while working toward full LPGA status.
Amari Avery is 21 years old and first joined the Epson Tour in 2024. She is often compared to Tiger Woods due to her early success in junior golf, is a rising star. She gained national attention as a teenager and played college golf at the University of Southern California (USC). Avery has continued to build her career through high-profile amateur events and professional starts. Her aggressive playing style and confident demeanor make her a golfer to watch in the coming years.African American women continue to make strides in professional golf, competing at the highest levels in the LPGA and Epson Tours.
Paige Crawford is 32 years old and first joined the Epson Tour in 2022. She has been a strong competitor on the professional circuit. A former standout at Montana State University, she earned recognition for her impressive performances in NCAA tournaments. While she continues to play professionally, she also dedicates time to mentoring young golfers and advocating for diversity in the sport.
Georgia Oboh is 24 years old and first joined the Epson Tour in 2020. She is one of Nigeria’s most prominent female golfers. She became the first Nigerian woman to earn a Ladies European Tour card, paving the way for future African players. Oboh has also competed in Epson Tour events and is focused on gaining full-time status on the LPGA Tour. She is a strong advocate for golf development in Africa and hopes to inspire more young women to take up the game.
Mariah Stackhouse is 31 years old and first joined the Epson Tour in 2017. She is a trailblazer in modern golf. She became the first African American woman to play on the U.S. Curtis Cup team and later joined the LPGA Tour. A Stanford University graduate, Stackhouse has competed in multiple LPGA events, earning top finishes and increasing representation for Black women in professional golf. She continues to be a role model for young golfers and a champion for diversity in the sport.
Anita Uwadia, a Nigerian-born golfer, is 26 years old and first joined the Epson Tour in 2020. She has been making an impact on the Epson Tour. She played collegiate golf at the University of South Carolina before turning professional. Uwadia has consistently improved her game, showcasing her talent in various tour events and representing African women in the sport.
The Future of Black Women in Golf
These six athletes represent the growing presence of Black women in professional golf. Their achievements not only highlight their skill and determination but also help break barriers in a sport traditionally lacking diversity. With ongoing support from their communities, corporate partners, and mentorship, the future looks hopeful for the next generation of Black female golfers.
For more updates on these players and their tournaments, visit LPGA and Epson Tour.
2025 Epson Tour Overview and Upcoming Events
The 2025 Epson Tour marks its 45th season, featuring 20 tournaments with a total prize pool of $5 million . Several new tournaments have been added to the schedule, including:
• Reliance Matrix Championship (Las Vegas, NV) – May 1-4
• Great Lakes Championship (Boyne Resort, MI) – June 13-15
• Greater Toledo Classic (Ohio) – July 25-27
Other key events include:
• Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic (Largest purse: $400,000) – May 11
• Epson Tour Championship (Season finale in Indian Wells, CA) – October 2-5
The Future of the Epson Tour
With a growing number of tournaments and rising prize money, the Epson Tour continues to be a crucial stepping stone for female golfers. The addition of new events and a strong partnership with the LPGA indicate that the tour will keep expanding its reach and providing more opportunities for talented players.
