(HARRIS, MICHIGAN) – College golfers originally from the Czech Republic, Canada and
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula were awarded sponsor exemptions to compete in this year’s Island
Resort Championship at Sweetgrass, part of the Epson Tour, a developmental tour for the
LPGA. The event takes place June 26 – 28, 2026, welcoming 144 professional golfers from all
over the world vying for a share of the $225,000 purse.
Sponsor exemptions Veronika Kedronova, Taylor Kehoe and Rachel Niskanen each had their
own unique journey to this big stage, but all three hope to gain valuable experience competing
against the rising stars of professional women’s golf.
Veronika Kedronova: Kent State
As a child in the Czech Republic, Veronika Kedronova grew up watching her brother play, and it
was only natural for her to pick up the clubs too. More than a decade later and 4,400 miles from
home, Kedronova is a standout of the Kent State golf team and will be entering her senior year
this fall. She participated in the U.S. Women’s Open at The Riviera Country Club (June 4-7) but
did not make the cut. In August of this year, she will play in the CPKC Women’s Open,
Canada’s premier women’s professional golf tournament. Both are official LPGA Tour events.
Island Resort Championship Co-chairman Tony Mancilla has been impressed by her skills and
performance and invited her to compete as a sponsor exemption, giving her another chance to
test her skills on a bigger stage.
“Ever since I started playing golf, competing at the professional level has been one of my
biggest goals, so being able to experience both an Epson Tour and LPGA event is really
exciting and motivating,” said Kedronova. “My driving has also become one of the strongest
parts of my game, which gives me confidence competing against strong fields and in
challenging environments.”
Taylor Kehoe: Michigan State
Canadian Taylor Kehoe also started playing golf at a young age, swinging a club at just six
years old. Her path to collegiate golf was built on years of junior competition and steady
improvement that earned her a spot at the college level.
She played two years at the University of Alabama before transferring closer to home at
Michigan State. Finding the move a better fit for her development as a player, Taylor recorded a
72.43 scoring average in her junior year, which is the seventh-best single- season average in
Michigan State history.
This spring Kehoe tied for 23rd place at the NCAA Championships, the best finish for an MSU
golfer since Christine Meier tied for sixth in 2013.
Now, Kehoe is looking forward to the Island Resort Championship, where she will take on the
challenge of competing at the professional level.
“Being able to have the opportunity to play in my first Epson Tour event in Michigan is really
special,” said Kehoe. “After graduating from Michigan State University this state has really
become my home away from home, and I’m excited to compete and represent the Spartans!”
Rachel Niskanen: Central Michigan
Rachel Niskanen just completed her junior year at Central Michigan University and her third
season as a member of the Chippewas golf team. A native of Negaunee, MI, she received a
sponsor exemption into the Island Resort Championship in 2025, completing the first two
rounds, but not making the final cut. Niskanen says she learned a lot from that experience and
is excited to test her mettle once again.
“Focusing on the process and not the end result has been one of my biggest learning curves,”
said Niskanen. “This caliber of a tournament forces me to trust myself. One thing I learned was
the value of a very good caddie. I had my high school golf coach, Dustin Hongisto, caddie for
me and it was the best choice, so I’m really excited he’ll be with me this year too! Overall, I am
ecstatic to play here again and look forward to the challenge!”
The Spectator Experience
The Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass offers a thrilling experience, not only for the
players, but for families, sports fans and first-time spectators. Fans are encouraged to bring a
chair or use the bleachers by the 9th and 18th greens, as well as at the center of the course.
Spectators are welcome to follow golfers throughout their rounds and meet players for
autographs and photos after they finish play.
A three-day pass to the tournament in June is just $10 for adults and free for 17 and under with
a paying adult. Tickets are on sale now at local non-profits, with proceeds going to the charities
that sell them. A list of participating organizations can be found online at
www.IslandResortGolf.com.
BY-Lisa Magnin
–end–
Comments