St. Augustine Gears Up for the 19th Annual St. Augustine Amateur Golf Tournament

 

St. Augustine Gears Up for the 19th Annual St. Augustine Amateur Golf Tournament

Golf fans in St. Augustine, Florida, are buzzing with excitement as the St. Augustine Amateur is set to take center stage from December 6 to 8, marking its 19th edition. The tournament, which started back in 2004, has become a staple in the local golfing calendar and is scheduled to take place at the scenic St. Johns Golf Club.

A Quick Recap of Last Year

Last year was a significant one for the St. Augustine Amateur as it made a triumphant return after a two-year pause due to necessary course renovations. This reboot was eagerly awaited by fans and players alike. In 2023, former Bartram Trail High School standout Brody Stevenson stole the show, wrapping up the tournament with an impressive final-round score of 65, finishing at 11 under par, and earning the title by a nail-biting two strokes. His victory didn’t just mean bragging rights; it set the stage for him to shine at the collegiate level, securing a spot on the Atlantic Sun Conference all-freshman team for Florida Gulf Coast University just a few months later.

Revamped Course, New Vibes

After a major overhaul, the St. Johns Golf Club reopened in November 2022, embracing a fresh design ripe with “traditional throwback” architectural features. The changes were a product of detailed planning by golf course architect Erik Larsen along with Wes Tucker, the Director of Golf and General Manager. The new layout stretches 7,009 yards and features a unique par-71 design that has garnered rave reviews from 2023 participants.

Changing Dates for Better Participation

One of the most exciting changes is the move of the tournament dates from October to December. This strategic shift aims to draw in more college golfers as students navigate their fall and spring schedules. Now, golf enthusiasts can expect a more robust field of talent, with hopes of seeing more NCAA Division I players hitting the greens.

Supporting Young Golfers Through First Tee–North Florida

Not only is the tournament about celebrating athletic prowess, but it is also a charity-driven event. The net proceeds from sponsorships will continue to support First Tee–North Florida, a local organization committed to youth development through golf. The funds generated this year are expected to surpass $25,000, moving the total support provided to nearly $500,000 since the tournament’s inception.

An International Field of Talent

With a maximum cap of 84 players, the upcoming tournament promises an exciting mix of talent. Competitors typically range from NCAA Division I golfers to nationally ranked juniors, elite mid-amateurs, and players from further afield as international representation is expected. Last year saw participants aged 13 to 44, with former champions hailing from all corners of the globe—including Malaysia, Italy, South Korea, and more.

Record of Excellence

Over the years, the St. Augustine Amateur has produced some notable champions. Past winners have gone on to achieve success at the professional level, including future PGA Tour players like Peter Uihlein, Zach Sucher, and Blayne Barber. Others, such as A.J. Crouch and Jack Maguire, have found their footing on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Get Ready for a Spectacular Event!

As the countdown continues toward the tournament, both participants and spectators alike are gearing up for what promises to be a fantastic showcase of skill, competition, and community support. So mark your calendars for December 6-8—it’s time for the 19th St. Augustine Amateur to shine!