A WINNING DEBUT: FIREKEEPERS CHAMPIONSHIP THRIVES AT THE MEDALIST GOLF CLUB
Lauren Nguyen claimed the championship title with a standout performance, becoming the latest rising star to add her name to the tournament's list of champions. The Epson Tour rookie's first victory highlights the world-class talent showcased each year at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship, as players pursue their dreams on The Road to The LPGA.
The move to The Medalist Golf Club, under the direction of Managing Partner Lowell Weaver, was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from players, spectators, volunteers, and tournament staff. Epson Tour players praised the course's outstanding condition, scenic beauty, and championship-caliber test, while attendees embraced the opportunity to experience professional golf up close on a course that is accessible to the public and familiar to many local golfers.
Tournament attendance more than doubled compared to last year, reflecting strong support for the championship's new location. Nearly 300 volunteers and over 90 sponsors and community partners played a vital role in making the event a success.
"The success of this year's championship is a testament to the incredible partnership between FireKeepers Casino Hotel, The Medalist Golf Club, the Epson Tour, our sponsors, volunteers, and the local community," said Co-Tournament Director, Ray Vorraber. "From the moment planning began, everyone involved shared a commitment to creating a first-class experience, and the results exceeded our expectations."
The championship also made a meaningful impact off the course, raising more than $25,000 for The Haven of Battle Creek and supporting its mission to serve individuals and families in need.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel extends its sincere appreciation to the Epson Tour, The Medalist Golf Club, tournament sponsors, volunteers, players, staff members, and fans whose support made the inaugural championship at The Medalist a tremendous success.
Following a successful debut at The Medalist Golf Club, plans are already underway for the championship's return June 11–13, 2027. FireKeepers Casino Hotel looks forward to building on this year's momentum and continuing its tradition of bringing world-class professional golf to the region.
It’s never too early to be a sponsor of this growing event. Reach out to FKCHChampionship@firekc.com to explore sponsorship opportunities and Pro-Am experiences for next year's event.
###
FireKeepers Casino Hotel, located just off I-94 at Exit 104 in Battle Creek, MI, is a premier Midwest gaming and resort destination. The property features 2,500 slot machines, 63 table games, a 21-table live poker room, and a AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel offering 446 rooms, a multi-purpose event center, six restaurants, and multiple lounges. FireKeepers has been voted one of the Best Casinos Outside of Las Vegas in the USA Today 10Best Awards, as well as Best Casino by audiences in Michigan and Indiana, and has earned the Players Choice award in both Casino Player and Strictly Slots Magazines in the Native Midwest category for the most first-place wins. Its signature restaurant, Nibi, is a AAA Four Diamond winner and multiple recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Reflecting its strong service culture, FireKeepers has earned top honors for customer and VIP service from Strictly Slots, Gaming & Destinations, and Casino Player magazines. It has also been recognized as a top workplace by Glassdoor, Forbes, and the Michigan Works! Association. FireKeepers is the title sponsor of the FireKeepers Casino 400 NASCAR Cup Series race and host of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship, an EPSON Tour-Road to the LPGA golf event. For more information, visit FireKeepersCasino.com.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel is owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. For more information on the NHBP, visit nhbp-nsn.gov.
