14th annual Four Winds Invitational brings top-tier talent to South Bend Country Club for exciting weekend tournament

The Four Winds Invitational, sponsored by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds Casinos, returned to South Bend Country Club this weekend to close out the northeastern schedule of the Epson Tour tournaments. With over a decade of history in South Bend, the Four Winds Invitational has become a local favorite for golf lovers and the community at large.

As the qualifying tour for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the Epson Tour draws competitors from across the world. This year’s Four Winds Invitational saw competitors representing 23 countries and attracted a large crowd looking to see the rising stars of women’s golf in action. The proceeds from the tournament will benefit Beacon Children’s Hospital.

“It’s the 14th Four Winds Invitational and South Bend Country Club’s fifth season hosting the tournament,” Greg Helmkamp, South Bend Country Club’s head golf professional.

The Four Winds Invitational is always a popular summer event for the South Bend Country Club and the surrounding region. South Bend businesses – everything from hotels to restaurants to shopping centers – enjoy an influx of business as guests from outside the area join the community for the tournament.

“Between the officials, volunteers, and 144 players from all around the world flying in and needing to stay in hotels, it creates a nice economic impact,” Helmkamp said. “I think it’s pretty cool that the same beneficiary has been Beacon Children’s Hospital from day one. They do so much good for the community, and to be able to give back to them is awesome.”

Heading into the tournament, Epson Tour Race for the Card frontrunner Gina Kim held a comfortable 161 point lead, and competition for the top 10 remained close. The tight race to cut added an exhilarating air to the competition. Last year’s Four Winds Invitational champion, Yahui Zhang, made her debut in the LPGA in 2025 at 19.

The excitement extended to the South Bend Country Club staff and volunteers who help ensure the invitational is a success.

“We have about 100-125 volunteers for the three days of the tournament, and then there’s a lot of prep with sponsors and setting up,” Helmkamp said. “It’s a week-long event, but it’s several months of preparation.”

Leah John claimed victory at the 2025 Four Winds Invitational, followed closely by Melanie Green and Jennifer Chang. With four tournaments remaining before the Epson Tour Championship tournament in California, there’s still plenty to look forward to this golf season.

Helmkamp was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an event that has generated an incredible impact financially since its start in 2012.

“Last year’s event is when we eclipsed the $1 million mark in proceeds for Beacon’s Children’s Hospital,” he said.

With the conclusion of the Four Winds Invitational, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds Casinos look toward the rest of the year. Check out all of the fun events coming in 2025 at fourwindscasino.com.