Bentley Receives Exemption into LPGA Tour Event

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(June 6, 2023 4:47 PM) A funny thing happened when Columbia Central High School golfer Logan Bentley asked for an exemption into the LPGA Epson Tour’s Firekeepers Casino Hotel Championship in Battle Creek.

They said yes to the 15-year-old local golfer.

Bentley will be one of 156 golfers playing the Epson Tour event at Battle Creek Country Club on Friday. 

The Epson Tour – formerly the LPGA Futures Tour – allows golfers to earn points toward earning an LPGA card for the next season.

Bentley is just soaking up the experience.

“I saw the tournament listing in the area and contacted the tournament director,” Bentley said of her pursuit to receive an exemption. “I sent an email response, and they gave me the spot.”

The two-time all-state golfer was one of two who received exempt status for the tournament – which starts Friday in Battle Creek. 

“I gave them some background information on my golf career, and they gave me the spot,” Bentley said. “I thought to myself how cool it would be to play in an LPGA Tour event.

“When I received the email confirmation … it hit me in a different way.”

Bentley played at the Battle Creek Country Club in a previous tournament but quickly learned the course can play a little longer.

The CCHS soon-to-be junior will play in a pro-am on Wednesday, participate in a junior clinic Thursday night, and tee it up on Friday.

A cut will ensue following the second round on Saturday. 

Bentley played a practice round by herself Tuesday at BCCC. 

“It just feels like a normal round of golf,” Bentley said. “My end goal is to play on the LPGA Tour.”

For tee times, scores, and other information, go to www.epsontour.com.