The Futures Tour has announced the addition of a major championship for the 2006 season. The developmental tour of women's professional golf will stage the Michelob Ultra Futures Championship at Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur, Illinois. With a purse of $100,000, it will be the richest on the Futures Tour. It will also be a 72-hole event, making it the only four-round tournament on the circuit. "This is the next step for the Futures Tour and this gives players a reassurance that this Tour is committed to support their development, enabling them to be successful at the next level," said Zayra F. Calderon, president and chief executive officer of the Futures Golf Tour. "The promise of our relationship with the LPGA is predicated on the fact that we offer a great test of talent each week for an entire tournament season," added Calderon. "Now, the test gets a little harder. I think it will energize our sponsors, our tournament organizers, our players and our fans." The LPGA gave the plan a ringing endorsement. "As the official developmental tour of the LPGA Tour, we congratulate the Futures Tour in elevating one of its longest-running events to major championship status," said LPGA commissioner Ty Votaw. "And, by offering a $100,000 purse, there is a demonstrated commitment to offering increased economic opportunities to its members." The Decatur event is currently the longest-running stop on the Futures Tour.