Florida's oldest amateur competition is heading to Bradenton in 2018 and will be hosted by the prestigious Concession Golf Club. The championship will be conducted on June 21-24, 2018 and Ritz-Carlton Members Club will co-host the first two rounds with final two rounds held at The Concession.
The Florida Amateur Championship has a rich history dating back to 1913 with A.C. Ulmer winning the first of his four titles. Other past champions include: Carl Dann Jr. (5 time champion), Don Bisplinghoff (4 time champion), Bob Murphy, Doug Sanders, Gary Koch, Jerry Pate, Buddy Alexander, and Blayne Barber. Click here for the complete history.
The Concession Golf Club was inspired by what is considered one of the finest acts of sportsmanship in golf history. On the final hole of the 1969 Ryder Cup at Royal Birkdale, Jack Nicklaus conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin for the first of only two ties in Ryder Cup history.
Since opening in 2006, the golf course has been recognized as the Best New Private Golf Course (Golf Digest, 2006), America’s 100 Premier Properties (LINKS Magazine, 2006/2007), Best Practice Areas (Golf Digest, 2009), Top 100 Courses in the U.S. (GOLF Magazine, 2009), Best Modern Courses (Golfweek, 2011), and a Best in State – Florida (Golf Digest, 2011/2012)
The Concession Golf Club hosted the 2015 Men’s and Women’s NCAA National Golf Championships, and was the first site to host both National Championships in consecutive weeks.
The Club has also been the host site for the 2014 and 2016 Concession Cup matches. The Concession Cup is a biennial event for Mid-Amateurs between the U.S. and Great Britain & Ireland. Jack Nicklaus, Tony Jacklin, Paul Azinger, Gary Koch, and Urban Meyer participate in, and support, this great event.
In addition to hosting competitive events, The Concession Golf Club is the host site for the annual Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic.
The Concession Golf Club is known for being very difficult with a slope rating of 153 from the back tees. Golf Digest recognized The Concession Golf Club as one of America’s 75 Toughest Golf Courses in 2012. The course plays very firm and fast and puts a premium on hitting accurate iron shots as well as having a great short game.
“We are excited to host the 101st Florida State Amateur Championship in 2018. Florida continues to boast the country’s top amateurs and we are honored to host one of the State’s most prestigious events. We believe strongly in supporting competitive amateur golf, and we look forward to showcasing our golf course during this great event.” – Bruce Cassidy Jr.
