The competition was fierce, the stakes were high, and after two incredible days of championship-level golf at The Fortress Golf Course, we are proud to congratulate Jessica Jolly, winner of the 2026 Suzann Pettersen Amateur Qualifier presented by Frankenmuth Insurance.
After completing 36 holes of competition, Jessica emerged victorious and secured an exclusive exemption into the prestigious Dow Championship at Midland Country Club.
As champion of the qualifier, Jessica has earned the unique opportunity to select her own playing partner and compete in the LPGA Tour’s only official team event, joining some of the world’s best golfers on one of professional golf’s biggest stages.
Hosted annually at The Fortress Golf Course in beautiful Frankenmuth, the Suzann Pettersen Amateur Qualifier has become one of Michigan’s premier amateur golf events, giving talented amateur players the chance to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The tournament featured 48 competitors battling through a challenging 36-hole, two-day stroke play format, with participants enjoying a full tournament experience that included practice rounds, player welcome reception, tournament gift bags, breakfast and lunch during competition days, and access to pre-round range facilities.
The qualifier serves as the official amateur pathway into the Dow Championship, one of the most unique tournaments on the LPGA schedule.
About the Dow Championship
Introduced to the LPGA Tour schedule in 2019, the Dow Championship brings together 144 of the world’s top golfers, competing as 72 two-player teams in a 72-hole stroke play competition unlike any other on tour.
Held annually at Midland Country Club, the tournament features alternating rounds of foursomes (alternate shot) and four-ball (best ball) competition, creating an exciting team-based format that showcases strategy, partnership, and elite-level play.
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament was founded with the mission of building community throughout Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region while creating a world-class sporting event that positively impacts people’s lives.
Honoring the Legacy of Suzann Pettersen
The qualifier proudly carries the name of legendary LPGA golfer Suzann Pettersen, one of the most accomplished players in women’s golf history.
During her remarkable 19-year professional career, Pettersen captured 15 LPGA Tour victories and 7 Ladies European Tour victories, including two major championships:
• 2007 LPGA Championship
• 2013 Evian Championship
Her extraordinary consistency kept her ranked among the world’s top players for 419 weeks inside the top 10, while earning 146 top-10 finishes throughout her LPGA career.
Pettersen is perhaps best remembered for her legendary nine appearances in the Solheim Cup, where she became one of Europe’s most successful competitors. She concluded her career in unforgettable fashion by sinking the winning putt for Europe during the 2019 Solheim Cup, immediately retiring afterward.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly proud to host this special event each year at The Fortress Golf Course and to provide talented amateur golfers the opportunity to compete at the next level.
Congratulations again to Jessica Jolly on an outstanding performance.
We look forward to watching Jessica compete at the Dow Championship next week and wish her the very best as she takes the next exciting step in her golf journey.
