Florida Open Championship

Deacon Chomps His Way to Victory

On a day guaranteed for phenomenal and exciting golf, J.C. Deacon delivered nothing less. This morning, the leaderboard was jumbled with everyone attempting to chase down J.C. Deacon for the title of 71st Florida Open Champion, however, with yet another stellar performance, J.C. Deacon prevailed to claim the title. 

Playing the Quarry Course for the final round, 61 of Florida's top amateur and professional golfers teed it up hoping to beat the rain and move up on the leaderboard. With past champions such as Caleb Johnson, Joe Alfieri, and Rod Perry in the field, the final round was going to be a show to watch. The final pairing off the first tee featured the three men who excelled the opening 36 holes to earn their well-deserved spot in the 9:10 A.M. pairing. After an exciting round of golf, however, it was J.C. Deacon who out lasted the competition to hoist the Florida Open Champion trophy. 

Starting off consistent with three consecutive pars, Deacon made his first birdie on the par-five fourth hole. However, after a hiccup on the fifth hole which included a crucial up-and-down, Deacon would drop two and have a three-shot swing with playing partner, Matt Borchert. With Borchert shooting consecutive 68's the past two days, J.C. knew he had to make birdies to regain the lead and win the championship.

On the short par-four sixth hole, J.C. brought out the driver and took a direct shot at the flagstick. With an incredibly accurate drive, Deacon drove the green off the tee and left himself approximately 30 feet for an eagle. Looking better than most, Deacon rolled in the eagle putt to get himself back to one-under for the day and in a tie for the lead yet again. Using his length to his advantage, Deacon just missed his eagle putt on the ninth hole to tap in for a birdie that would regain him the leading heading into the final nine and Quarry holes. 

While all eyes were on Deacon, Matt Borchert made a charge for the top and made the final few holes of the championship nail-biters. Borchert opened his back nine with two birdies, one on hole ten and another on hole 12, whereas Deacon salvaged only one birdie on the eleventh. Heading into the Quarry, holes 13 through 17, the stage was set and it was going to be a close finish. After matching with pars on the par-three, 13th, and birdies on the par-five 14th, Borchert would move into a tie for first with Deacon after tapping in a birdie putt on the par-four 15th after sticking his approach shot to three feet. The two gentlemen remained tied after both parred the 16th hole with two-putt pars. Then they came to the par-three 17th hole. 

Borchert hit first, and short-sided his shot, leaving him with a near-impossible up-and-down. With no idea of the situation Borchert faced, Deacon hit his tee shot just short of the ridge in the middle of the green, leaving him with a forty-foot putt for birdie. Borchert chipped his next shot 20-feet past the hole, opening the window for Deacon to take the outright lead heading into the final hole. With too much speed, however, Deacon's birdie putt finished ten feet past the hole, leaving him a quick slider back down the slope. Borchert was up to play next and his par putt just slid past the hole, leaving him with a knee-knocking five-foot sliding putt back up the hill for bogey. Deacon, uncharacteristically, missed his par putt, making him card his first three-putt of the day. While it looked as if Borchert was going to be one back heading into the final hole, Borchert lipped out not only his bogey putt, but his double-bogey putt to card a triple-bogey, six, on the 17th hole to give J.C. a two-shot lead on the eighteenth.

With perfect drives on the final hole, Borchert was up to play first. Proving he wasn't going to let J.C. win the Florida Open with ease, Borchert hit a remarkable second shot into the par-five, 18th hole, leaving him a seven-foot putt for eagle. Even though Deacon was not able to see where Borchert's ball ended up from the fairway, Deacon knew it was close with the roar that came from the green. Now it was up to J.C. Deacon to trust his game and go for the tucked pin on the final hole to clinch the championship. Deacon's second shot ended up landing on the backside of the green before rolling into the rough ten yards long. With an up-and-down for birdie, Deacon would win the championship by one shot. 

Showing no signs of nerves, Deacon chipped his ball and just missed the hole, leaving him with a three-foot putt for birdie and the coveted title of "champion". Borchert was away and rolled in his eagle putt to finish with his third consecutive round of four-under, 68, and finish the 71st Florida Open with a 12-under par total. Stepping up to his ball, Deacon rolled in his birdie putt to shoot a four-under round of 68, and win the Florida Open by one-shot over Borchert.

J.C. Deacon won the 71st Florida Open with a 13-under par total of 203 and won by one shot over fellow professional Matt Borchert. The University of Florida Head Coach walked away with not only the trophy to display in his office in Gainesville, but also a check for $15,000 that was to be awarded to the top finishing professional. 

The 71st Florida Open displayed two low-amateurs this week, Mid-Amateur Champion Chip Brooke and Nova Southeastern Head Coach, Christopher Carlin. Both gentlemen finished the event with a four-under par total finish which was good enough for a tie for seventh place overall. 

The 71st Florida Open, hosted by Black Diamond Ranch, provided a close finish with University of Florida's Head Coach, J.C. Deacon coming out on top, proving he could not just coach well, but play incredibly too. 

Final Results | Photos

Round 2 Story | Round 1 Story | Florida Open Preview

Final Professional Payout

$100,000 Purse

Plus..."NEW" Local Qualifying Purses 

$12,000-$14,000 Total Across 16 Sites

The FSGA is contributing the money that will be paid at local qualifying sites in appreciation of the Golf Professionals of Florida!

(Each qualifying site's purse is determined by the number of Professionals who "tee off" in that specific qualifier - WD's and no shows do not count) - See local purse schedule here

Black Diamond Ranch plays host to the 71st Florida Open in Lecanto. The Florida Open is open to PGA golf professionals, amateur golfers, and other professional golfers who meet the eligibility requirements listed below. The Florida Open has a rich history that dates back to 1942 and includes notable champions, such as Bob Murphy, Gary Koch, Charles Owens, Bruce Fleisher, John Huston, Dudley Hart, and Bart Bryant among others.  Click here to read more about the historic event and its past Champions.

Professionals and Amateurs can qualify for the Championship through local qualifying.  Exemptions are available through State Amateur Championships & PGA Section Events. For a look at the 2016 Championship click here.

Championship Format

• 156 players in the Championship field
• 54 holes of individual stroke play
• The field will be cut to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes
• The lowest score for 54 holes will be the Champion
• All players will play 18 holes each on the Quarry Course and the Ranch Course on Friday, July 14th, and Saturday, July 15th
• The final 18 holes will be played on the Quarry Course on Sunday, July 16th

Eligibility

• Male amateur and professional golfers
• Florida Resident  (If you have any doubt - please click and review to avoid issues)
• A valid USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 6.4 at the time of entry (amateurs and amateurs awaiting reinstatement only)
• Entrant is not required to be a member of the FSGA
• PGA class A-3 members are ineligible
• Playing Activity - Players that have played in less than (7) "major" tour events or less than (19) "one or two-day" type mini-tour events in the 12 months prior to the Championship
• If you have any questions about your eligibility, it is the player's responsibility to review the guidelines and to contact the FSGA office as needed to ensure eligibility
• Ineligible applicants will not receive refunds  Click here to view FSGA Tournament Policies.

Entry Fees

• Qualifying Fee: Qualifying Fee includes entry fee and course and cart fees, and range balls.
• Championship Fee: Fee paid by those individuals who advance to the Championship through qualifying includes tee gifts, course and cart fees, range balls and lunch for each competitive round.
• Exempt Fee : Exempt Fee includes Championship Fee and Entry Fee for those individuals eligible for exemption.

Entries for qualifying are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the field is full. Entries are then placed on an alternates list in order of receipt and contacted if, and when, a spot becomes available.

Late entries are subject to a $10 late entry fee should the entrant gain acceptance into the field.

Pre-Registration

Those individuals who advance to the Championship through qualifying must pre-register and remit the appropriate Championship Fee (See Above) online at www.fsga.org under the "My Account" section, which can be located in the top right hand corner of the web-page.  Payment must be received by Monday, July 10th by 3:30 pm or the individual will be withdrawn from the Championship.  Championship fee includes competitive round lunches, golf, cart fees and range balls plus a player's badge and tee gift.

To Pre-Register:

• Log on to the FSGA website at www.fsga.org using your email address and password

• Click on "My Account" in the upper right hand corner of the homepage

• Under "My Tournaments", click on the "Pre-Register" button to the right of the tournament name

• Enter your credit card information and then click the "Charge My Card" button on the bottom right hand corner of the page

Refunds, Notice of Withdrawals

Requests for qualifying entry refunds received prior to entry closing date will be honored (less $20 per entry administrative fee). Requests received after the closing date will be honored (less 50% of entry fee). No requests will be honored within two days of the scheduled start date.

Requests for refunds of Exempt or Championship fees prior to the pre-registration deadline will be honored (less $20 per entry administrative fee). No requests will be honored after the pre-registration deadline.

Local Qualifying

18 holes stroke play at 16 Local Qualifying sites. Sites and Dates

Local Qualifying Purses - NEW FOR 2017

A purse for professionals is being introduced at the local qualifiers. The average approximate purse is $1,000 and is determined by the amount of professionals who begin (tee off) at each qualifier. Click here to view the payout schedule.

A player exempt from local qualifying, at the time of entry, may elect to forego the exemption, pay the qualifying fee, and compete in a local qualifier. The election to waive the exemption is irreversible.

Transferring Qualifying Sites

Players may submit one entry for the Florida Open and choose the site at which they will attempt to qualify.  However, if any site requires adjustment (including, but not limited to, the receipt of more entries than can be accommodated), players will be transferred to another site based on their preference listed on the entry application and date of receipt of entry application (i.e. later applicants will be subject to transfer)

Schedule of Events 

Friday, July 14th

• 7:30 AM - 9:18 AM - Round one tee times off of #1 and #10 on both the Ranch and Quarry
• Complimentary players' lunch buffet in the main clubhouse

Saturday, July 15th

• 7:30 AM - 9:18 AM - Round two tee times off of #1 and #10 on both the Ranch and Quarry
• Complimentary players' lunch buffet in the main clubhouse
• The field will be cut to low 60 players and ties after the completion of play

Sunday, July 16th

• 7:30 AM - Final round tee times begin off of #1 and #10 on the Quarry Course
• Complimentary players' lunch buffet in the main clubhouse
• Awards ceremony immediately following the completion of play 

Course Set-Up

The golf course will be set-up at approximately 7,000 yards.

Championship Field Size

156 Players. Cut to low 60 and ties after 36-holes.

Estimated Purse

$100,000 (see estimated purse pay-out)  1st Place - $15,000

Defending Champion

Caleb Johnson captured the 70th Florida Open Championship posting a tournament total of eight-under par at Interlachen Country Club in Orlando on July 15-17, 2016. The Ocala native opened with a round of 68 and never looked back. He finished with rounds of 70-69 to post a winning total of 207 to capture first place and hoist the trophy. 

Cart and Caddie Policy

During qualifying and the Championship proper, each player must use a golf cart which is included in the qualifying and Championship entry fees. Caddies are allowed, however, a player must not use a parent, step-parent or guardian as a caddie. The caddie MUST walk and the player's clubs must remain on the golf cart. 

Championship Information

Play-Off

If necessary, there will be a hole-by-hole "sudden death" play-off for Champion. It is the player’s responsibility to be present for any playoff.

Practice Round and Practice Information

Practice rounds will be available to the competitors one week in advance of the competition on a space available basis.  Practice rounds are restricted to after 12:00 PM on the weekend prior to the Championship. The cost of practice rounds is $30 plus tax. Players will be responsible for direct payment of any fees for the practice rounds. Please call (352) 746-3446 to schedule a practice round.

Players will be allowed to practice after their formal practice and after each competitive round. 

You may not make your practice round tee time before qualifying is completed. Weather permitting, qualifying concludes on July 4th. A list of players will be faxed to the club following the conclusion of qualifying. 

Exemptions

Players in the following categories will be eligible for exemption provided they meet all entry and eligibility requirements:

NOTE: Blank entries will be filed by the FSGA for players who become exempt after the close of entries.    

PROFESSIONALS

• Last five year's Florida Open Champions
• Professionals finishing top ten and tied from last year’s Florida Open Championship
• Championship Host Clubs' Representative (may be an amateur)
• Players qualifying for the current year's U.S. Open Championship
• Current year’s SFPGA Open Champion
• Current year’s Fort Lauderdale Open Champion (Regular Division)
• Players qualifying for or exempt into the current year's PNC Championship
• Last year's top ten and tied Dixie, NFPGA and SFPGA Section Championship finishers
• Last year’s Dixie, NFPGA and SFPGA Section Senior (Regular Division) Champion
• Last year's Dixie, NFPGA and SFPGA Section Chapter Champions
• Last year’s top five and tied Dixie, NFPGA and SFPGA Section Assistant Championship finishers
• Last year’s Dixie Section Match Play Championship Finalists
• Current year’s NFPGA Section Match Play Champion Finalists
• Last year's Florida Senior Open Champion
• Last year's top five and tied from the final Dixie, NFPGA and SFPGA Section Player of the Year Points List
• Last year’s Dixie, NFPGA and SFPGA Section Senior (Regular Division) Player of the Year

AMATEURS

• Last five year's Florida Open Champions
• Amateurs finishing top ten and tied from last year’s Florida Open Championship
• Current and last two year’s Amateur Champions
• Players qualifying for the current year's U.S. Open Championship
• Top 200 and tied from last year's final World Amateur Golf Rankings
• Last year’s top five and tied Amateur Championship finishers
• Last year’s top five and tied from the final FSGA Player of the Year Points List
• Last year’s Junior Amateur Player of the Year
• Last year’s Senior Amateur Player of the Year
• Last year's Florida Senior Open Champion
• Last year’s Boys Junior Champion (16-18 Age Division)
• Last year’s Amateur Match Play Champion
• Current year’s Mid-Amateur Champion

Exemptions Earned from this Tournament

Winner

• Next five Florida Opens

Players finishing in the top ten and tied

• Next year's Florida Open

Low Amateur

• Next year's Mid-Amateur Championship
• Next year's Amateur Championship
• Next year's Amateur Match Play Championship

Amateurs finishing in the top five and tied

• Next year's Amateur Championship

Other Policies

• Spectators and Spectator Cart Policy -  Click here.
• Caddies - Caddies are allowed in all FSGA Championships except Junior events. However, a player must not use a parent, step-parent or guardian as a caddie. The caddie MUST walk and the player's clubs must remain on the golf cart. 
• Championship Pace of Play Policy - Click here.
• Local Rules and Conditions of Competition - Click here.
• Championship Policies - Click here to read the withdrawal, dress code, and other policies.
• Procedures for Alternates - Click here for information on how alternates may gain entry into this Championship.
• Conditions/ Schedule - The FSGA Championships Committee/on-site Rules Committee reserves the right to alter any of the conditions, provisions and/or schedules. The decision of the Championships Committee/on-site Rules Committee in any matter will be final.

Shirt Sponsor & Hat Sponsor

Cutter & Buck is the official shirt of the Florida Open Championship and Imperial will serve as the official head wear of the Florida Open.

Host Hotel and Accommodations

Hampton Inn - Crystal River

1103 N Suncoast Parkway
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-564-6464

2 Queens - $149 per room, per night plus tax
1 King - $149 per room, per night plus

Must call and ask for "FSGA Florida Open Rate". Book by 6/24/2017 to guarantee rate.

Holiday Inn Express - Crystal River

1203 NE 5th Street
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-563-1111

2 Queens - $139 per room, per night plus tax

Must call and as for "FSGA Florida Open Rate". Book by 6/24/2017 to guarantee rate.

Plantation on Crystal River

9301 W. Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL 34429
800-632-6262

FSGA Members receive 15% off rate at time of making reservation. Please call 1-800-632-6262 and ask for "FSGA Florida Open"

Dress Code

Proper attire for competitors and caddies is required at all times at the golf facility.  Failure to comply may result in withdrawal of entry.

• Golf Shorts are permitted
• All hats must be worn properly.
• Collared shirts or shirts specifically designed for golf must be worn and tucked in at all times.
• This code supplements any course or club guidelines, which shall take precedence.

Refunds, Notice of Withdrawals

Requests for qualifying entry refunds received prior to entry closing date will be honored (less $20 per entry administrative fee). Requests received after the closing date will be honored (less 50% of entry fee). No requests will be honored within two days of the start of the tournament.

Requests for refunds of Exempt or Championship fees prior to the pre-registration deadline will be honored (less $20 per entry administrative fee). No requests will be honored after the per-registration deadline.

Publicity and Promotion; Broadcasting

By participating in FSGA Events you grant the FSGA and those acting with the FSGA, permission, authority and the permanent rights to use your name or likeness for publicity and promotional purposes. Participants understand that all Media, including film, photographic prints, audio or digital files are the exclusive property of the FSGA. Participants in FSGA events waive their rights to inspect or approve all media produced by the FSGA and those acting on the FSGA's behalf. Participants waive their permanent rights to compensation for use of their name and likeness by the FSGA.

Payment 

Black Diamond Ranch accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Amex for payment.

Directions

Black Diamond Ranch
3125 West Black Diamond Circle
Lecanto, FL  34461
(352) 746-3446

Click here for directions to Black Diamond Ranch