For over a decade, the Island Resort Championship has been a staple on the Epson Tour schedule, and its longevity and impact on players are unmatched by few other tournaments. From the warm hospitality of the Island Resort Casino to the annual 'Bassters' fishing tournament, to a championship level golf course, this event stands out for its unique blend of engagement and connection with its participants. This week, three former Island Resort Championship winners will tee it up, all vying for their second trophy in Harris, Mich. But among them, the 2019 Island Resort Championship winner, Daniella Iacobelli, stands out for her deep connection to the tournament.

Embarking on her Epson Tour career in 2010, Iacobelli has since become one of the Tour's most respected ambassadors and champions. The 36-year-old has earned her way onto the LPGA Tour twice through the Epson Tour's Race for the Card, for her 2013 and 2016 seasons. With an impressive 33 top-10 finishes and four victories, her win in 2019 at Sweetgrass Golf Club holds a special place in the veteran's heart.

"This tournament is home. I remember I actually just found a video on YouTube from the first year that we were here during a rain delay, which was insanely comical," said Iacobelli. "I was barely out of college, but this tournament kind of started the growth of our tour. I feel like this was our first true test of a golf course, our first tournament where we just really felt the excitement in the community. I think it set the standard for how we've become as a tour. So, every time we come back, it is just a boatload of memories that rush through me."

When Iacobelli won the Island Resort Championship, it was her third career Epson Tour victory and her first in four years. She won in a playoff for extra flare, the only way she knows how.

As the final round commenced, the odds were not in Iacobelli's favor. She started the day six shots behind the leader, Louise Stahle, who would go on to shoot an over-par round and miss out on the playoff. In a stunning turn of events, the eventual champion delivered a 7-under bogey-free round, her lowest final round ever on the Epson Tour. Ironically, Iacobelli recalls very little from this momentous round.

"I was very fortunate the year that I won. There's very few elements and I think I just blacked out on Sunday because I don't remember much," explained Iacobelli. "I remember the playoff hole, and that's about it. I don't think anyone knows the golf course better than me. So that's an advantage. At this point, it just comes down to execution. So, if we can pull off some good golf shots, I feel good about it."

The other two Island Resort Championship winners playing this week, the defending champion Tsai Ching Tseng and the 2017 champion Emma Talley, are also hoping to recapture their past glory. Both players have faced recent challenges, and they're looking to the fond memories of Sweetgrass Golf Club to inspire a turnaround for the rest of the 2024 season.

Flashback to the 2019 Island Resort Championship with One of the Tournament's Most Memorable Champions

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