Mid-Amateur Stroke Play Championship

Michael Connors Runs Away from Field 

The 8th FSGA Mid-Amateur Stroke Play Championship was contested at TPC Eagle Trace, April 29-May 1, 2016. 136 Mid-Amateurs (players 25 years of age and older) would battle windy conditions throughout the three rounds.  Joe Alfieri, of Lutz, is no stranger to success in the Mid-Amateur ranks and has been a household name in Florida the past few decades.  Coming off representing a victorious United States team at last weekend's Concession Cup, the 1999, 2001 & 2015 FSGA Player of the Year and defending Champion jumped out to an early lead on Friday, posting 67 (-5) and giving him a three stroke advantage entering the second round.  Ten players total posted rounds of even par 72 or better in the first round.

Round two saw Alfieri continue his steady play, matching his 3 bogeys with 3 birdies in the breezy afternoon conditions to post even par and stay at 5 under-par total.  Michael Connors, of Palm Beach Gardens, posted the round of the tournament on Saturday's second round.  His bogey free 66 (-6) included an eagle on hole 8, and also 4 birdies to see him move to 5 under-par total to tie Alfieri.  A group of five players would finish round two at even-par 144 to sit in a tie for 3rd place.  63 players finished at 13 over-par 157 or better, making the cut and advancing to Sunday's final round.

The winds picked up early Sunday morning at TPC Eagle Trace. Michael Connors would get off to a hot start, converting birdies on both the 2nd and 3rd holes, opening up a three stroke lead after Alfieri made bogey on 2.  By the time Connors and Alfieri made the turn, Connors lead would open up to 5 strokes.  Connors would continue the steady play and see the lead grow to as many as 6 after he birdied the 14th in the final round.  Connors bogeyed the 7th hole on Friday, his 16th hole of the tournament, and did not make another bogey until the 17th hole in the final round. An impressive 37 holes played without a bogey. His final round 70 (-2) which included 3 birdies and a lone bogey would give Connors a 5 stroke victory and tournament total of 209 (-7). Marc France would post a final round 68 (-4) to finish 2-under par for the Championship to finish second. Defending Champion Joe Alfieri's final round 76 saw him fall to a 3rd place finish.

Full Results

TPC Eagle Trace, located in Coral Springs, is host to the 2016 Mid-Amateur Stroke Play Championship. Players 25 years and older will compete in a Championship environment without having to compete with juniors and collegiate players. Opened in 1983 as the first member-based club in the PGA TOUR’s Tournament Players Club network, TPC Eagle Trace is an Arthur Hills design that hosted the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic nine times. For a look at the 2015 Mid-Amateur Stroke Play Championship results click here! 

Championship Format

• 54 holes of individual stroke play
• Maximum 144 player field size
• The field will be cut to the low 60 and ties after thirty-six holes

Eligibility

• Male amateurs must be age 25 or older as of April 29, 2016, and be a member of the FSGA.

Entry Fee

• $190 GHIN or Foundation Member
• $200  Non-GHIN Member

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

Entry Priority

Entries will be accepted based upon the order of receipt. Entries received after the competitive field is full or after the close of entries, will be placed on an alternates list. Alternates will be contacted in the order of receipt of entry, if and when, a spot becomes available.

Course Set-Up

The golf course will be set-up at approximately 6,900 - 7,000 yards.

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 29th

• 7:45 AM - 9:33 AM - Round One morning tee times off of tee #1 and #10

• 12:30 PM - 2:18 PM - Round One afternoon tee times off of tee #1 and #10

• 7:45 AM - 9:33 AM - Round Two morning tee times off of tee #1 and #10

• 12:30 PM - 2:18 PM - Round Two afternoon tee times off of tee #1 and #10

• Field will be cut to low 60 players and ties after play finishes

• 7:45 AM - 9:24 AM Final Round tee times begin off of tee #1 and #10

Practice Rounds

Practice rounds are available one week prior to the championship.  Practice rounds may be played after 12:00 PM on the weekend.  The price for a practice round is $35.00 + tax. Please call (954) 344-5621 to arrange your practice round. The proper place to practice your golf swing is on the driving range, hitting multiple shots on the course is unacceptable.

Carts

Carts are included for all competitive rounds. Players are responsible for practice round fees.

Defending Champion

Joe Alfieri was named Champion of the 2015 Mid-Amateur Stroke Play held at Fiddlesticks Country Club in Fort Myers. Alfieri held the lead for the entire tournament after an opening round 68.  He finished at 4-under for the tournament, besting 2014 Mid-Amateur Champion Thad Hudgens by two shots.  Alfieri narrowly missed out on three straight championships as he won this event in 2013 and finished runner-up in 2014.   

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.

Exemptions Earned from this Tournament

Winner

Current year's Amateur Championship

Current year's Amateur Match Play Championship

Current year's Mid-Amateur Championship

Host Hotel and Accommodations

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel
11775 Heron Bay Boulevard
Coral Springs, FL 33076

$125 per room, per night, plus tax.

Click here to book online or call (954) 753-5598 requesting Florida State Golf Association Mid-Amateur Stroke Championship Rate. Must book by April 12th.

Payment

TPC Eagle Trace accepts all major forms of payment.

Directions

TPC Eagle Trace 
1111 Eagle Trace Boulevard
Coral Springs, FL 33071
(954) 344-5621

Click here for directions. 

Click here for more information on TPC Eagle Trace