Tampa, Fla. – The 78th Florida Open Championship is set to take place in Ocala, where top professionals and amateurs from across the state will compete at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club and the Country Club of Ocala from July 19-21.
The Courses
Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club boasts a riveting 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by golf course architect Ron Garl. Notably, eight of its holes are inspired by
renowned courses such as Augusta National Golf Club, Royal Troon Golf Club, and St. Andrews Links.
Designed by Steve Nugent, the Country Club of Ocala is another par-72 course renowned for its varied elevations, undulating greens, and challenging slopes, presenting a defensive challenge even for top golfers. Spanning 6,920 yards, its beautifully maintained layout enhances the playing experience.
The Players (Amateurs)
Amidst a field scattered with professionals, several amateurs have carved out notable reputations heading into this year's Open Championship. Jimmy Ellis (Atlantic Beach Golf Club), who clinched the 2024 Amateur Championship after securing a 5-stroke lead over the field, is looking to secure his second title of the year. Meanwhile, Colton Swartz, winner of the 2023 Boys’ Junior Championship and ninth-place finisher in this year's Amateur is also aiming for top honors.
Also competing is Jake Sherwin (Cypress Lake Golf Club), the champion of the 2024 Mid-Amateur Championship held at La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach. After a grueling 119 holes, Sherwin prevailed over Ty Capps in the championship match with a 2 & 1 victory, demonstrating both the mental fortitude and physical prowess to compete against some of the state's top players
In other amateur news, 14-year-old Darren Zhou is making waves despite his young age. Zhou has already amassed an impressive list of achievements, including winning the 2022 Futures Champions title, being named Boys’ Player of the Year in 2023, and competing in this year’s Amateur Championship.
The Players (Professionals)
This year’s field includes several professionals, all vying for the Open Championship title. Included in the professional competition includes JC Deacon, head coach of the Florida Gators and the only two-time champion of the Florida Open. Deacon has participated in this event annually since
2015, finishing outside the top 25 only once. Another two-time Champion in the field is Caleb Johnson. Johnson, an outside services staff at Innisbrook Resort hoisted the trophy in 2014 & 2016, but had to advance through local qualifying in 2024.
Also expected to contend is Gabriel Lench (Pasadena Y&CC), who clinched the 2018 Florida Open Championship and holds two Amateur Champion titles, alongside being an alumni of the Florida Junior Tour. Other notable professionals joining them are Cristian DiMarco (Avila Golf & Country Club), winner of the 100th Florida Amateur Championship, and Andy Pope (Orange Tree GC), who secured the 2022 Florida Open Championship. Additionally, David Schuster (Grande Oaks GC), who triumphed in the 47th edition of the Florida Senior Open by overcoming a two-shot deficit, joins the distinguished lineup at this year’s Championship.
On June 26th, 2024, the PGA of America announced the roster of 10 PGA of America Golf Professionals who are set to compete on the U.S. Team in the 31st PGA Cup. Within the 10-man roster are four Florida natives, all heading to Ocala to compete in this year’s Florida Open– John Somers (Southern Hills Plantation Club), Jeremy Wells (Cypress Lake Golf Club), Matt Cahill (Seminole Golf Club), and Tyler Collet (John’s Island Club).
The Tournament
The Florida Open is open to both amateur and professional golfers. It has been played annually since 1942 at a variety of courses around the state. Over the previous months, there were 15 local qualifying sites for non-exempt players to punch their ticket to this year's event. The format is 54 holes of individual gross stroke play, with a $125,000 estimated total purse– matching last year's which was the largest purse in the history of the event.
Don’t miss out on the action this year as we look to crown our 78th Florida Open Champion!
