BRADENTON, Fla. – In the middle of West Bradenton sits a beautiful piece of property known as Bradenton Country Club, dating back to 1924.
The top professional and amateur golfers in the state will make their way Bradenton in July as the 76th Florida Open will take center stage at Bradenton Country Club on July 15-17.
Nearing its 100th anniversary, Bradenton Country Club was founded in 1924, when the land was sold to the newly formed Palma Sola Investment Company. Legendary golf architect Donald Ross was tapped to design the course.
Ross, who was known for fitting golf courses to their individual properties, did just that at Bradenton. Just under 120 acres, the property is a beautiful open plot of land dotted in the center of the West Bradenton community.
The closeness of community can really be felt while standing on the par-3 second hole. The Bradenton Baptist Church steeple paints a beautiful backdrop for the hole sitting just a mere 50 yards behind the green.
The 18 holes at Bradenton, all unique in their own way, intertwine with each other creating a flow to the round that stands with the best in Florida. From many locations on the golf course, you can see multiple holes, maybe even entire nines in spots, giving another look at what you just played, or a preview of what is yet to come.
In 2018, the course underwent a complete 18-hole renovation with the help of Tony Jacklin, a three-time major champion, five-time Ryder Cup Captain and longtime member of the club.
Everything from tees, fairways, greens, bunkers, and rough were reinvented. The renovation also eliminated the tarmac cart paths and instead created the native crushed shell areas with grasses and plantings, while preserving what Donald Ross had originally created.
Bradenton has hosted their fair share FSGA championships in the past, including most recently the 2021 Four-Ball Championship, 2017 Senior Amateur Championship, 2021 and 2020 Girls’ Junior Championship, and 2013 Boys’ Junior Championship.
The 76th Florida Open Championship will take place at Bradenton this year and with Lakewood National Golf Club serving as the co-host. Lakewood National is another tremendous facility itself, playing host to previous FSGA Championships, as well as a yearly Korn Ferry Tour event.
This year’s Championship features a $100,000 professional purse with the winner taking home a $15,000 first place check.
Connor Arendell took home the Florida Open title in 2021 with a one-shot victory over the 2020 U.S. Amateur champion Tyler Strafaci at Fiddlesticks Country Club in Fort Myers. Arendell will look to defend his title this year against a strong field.
Other past Florida Open champions include, JC Deacon, Tyler McCumber, Chase Seiffert, Gabriel Lench and many more.
