TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida State Golf Association announced on Wednesday that the 2019 Florida Women’s Open and Senior Open will be relocated to Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach, with John’s Island Club serving as the co-host.
“We are beyond thankful to be working with these two incredible facilities to put on a remarkable championship for our players,” Jenna Walkiewicz, director of women’s golf, said. “Between the courses, location and supportive team behind it all, the players are in for an exceptional Open Championship.”
The 2019 Florida Women’s Open and Senior Open will be contested August 9-11. The Championship will consist of 54-holes of individual stroke play, with a cut to low 60 and ties after 36 holes.
All competitors will play 18 holes at Orchid Island and John’s Island North Course. While both amateurs and professionals will be in the field, professionals will be competing for a $50,000 total purse.
Designed in 1990 by Arnold Palmer, Orchid Island is located just north of Vero Beach and sits between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The course has been renovated twice by Palmer’s design company, in 2005 and 2015.
Orchid Island, which became a certified Audubon cooperative sanctuary in 2005, features sculpted bunkers, water-guarded greens and ocean breezes.
“First and foremost, Orchid Island wants to be recognized as a staunch supporter of the game of golf,” Rich Waage, Orchid Island’s longtime director of golf, said. “We have hosted many championships, and this will be just one more opportunity to showcase our beautiful and challenging golf course."
Orchid Island most recently hosted the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, as well as the 2016 Florida Four-Ball Championship and 2017 Florida Boys’ Junior Championship. The club also co-hosted the 2013 Florida Open.
Designed by Pete Dye, the North Course at John's Island Club opened in 1973. One of the club’s three courses, the North Course is planned around Oak trees and leads to the Indian River. John’s Island was the site of the 2015 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship and three Florida Mid-Amateur Championships (2007, 2012 and 2017).
“The staff and membership of Orchid Island and John's Island are fantastic supporters of golf,” FSGA Executive Director, Jim Demick said. “It’s overwhelming how supportive the entire Vero Beach golf community is to golf."
Quail Creek Country Club was originally slated to host the 2019 Championship, but a construction delay in its clubhouse renovation project, to repair damage caused by Hurricane Irma, resulted in the site change. The Naples club is scheduled to host the 2020 Florida Women’s Open and Senior Open from August 7-9.
Follow the FSGA:
The Florida Women's Open and Senior Open is open to amateurs and professionals of all ages and there is no residency required. Entries for this year's Championship close on July 17. Enter here.
Twitter: @FSGA
Instagram: @FSGA1913
Facebook: Florida State Golf Association
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Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club |
John's Island Club - North Course |
