In just a few short weeks, the top 144 senior amateur golfers from across the state will converge on Mayacoo Lakes Country Club for the 57th Senior Amateur Championship. Reigning Champion George DeSear will attempt to defend his title, a feat that has never been achieved in the 56 years of the Championship.
This year, sectional qualifying saw a host of Seniors attempt to make it to the 54-hole annual Championship. Particiapants who made it to the final 144-player field will play 36-holes before being cut to the low 60 players and ties. The final 18 holes of the championship will be played on Thursday, April 12.
In order to be eligible to compete in the Senior Amateur Championship, players must have reached their 55th birthday on or before the first round of the championship, be an amateur golfer and also must be a member of the Florida State Golf Association.
Host club Mayacoo Lakes will be a great experience from the parking lot to the 18th green for the Seniors competing in the championship. It is said that no hole at Mayacoo Lakes will penalize a good shot nor face a layup. This is the result of the thinking of renowned course designer (and competitor) Jack Nicklaus. First opened in 1972, the club boasts lush vegetation, a plethora of water hazards, and smooth rolling fairways and greens. Playing between 6,500-6,600 yards, shot placement will be a must on this course, with 13 holes featuring some sort of water hazard that is waiting to snag an errant tee or approach shot at a moments notice.
Championship Field Highlights
- 8 Former Senior Amateur Champions: George DeSear (2017), Peter Wegmann (2016), Gordon Marshall (2015), Pete Williams (2014), Doug LaCrosse (2013), Jim Carley (2011), Steve Earsley (2009) & Rick Woulfe (2007)
- 6 Former Senior Players of the Year: George DeSear, Peter Wegmann, Pete Williams, Doug LaCrosse, Steve Earsley & Rick Woulfe
- 2 Senior Match Play Champions: Owen Joyner and Bobby Lundquist (Super-Senior Champion)
- 11 GolfWeek Top 100 Senior Amateurs: Kevin Macy, Sam Till, James Starnes, Richard Kerper, Robbie Dew, Michael Mercier, Robert Polk, Rick Woulfe, John Skinner, Walter Himelsbaugh & Bob Levy
- 8 US Senior Amateur Qualifiers (2017): Mike Bodney, Joel Benes, Gary Blackwell, Chip Holcombe, Ken Palladino, Mike Riley, Jim Rollefson and Doug Snoap (2012)
