In the winter of each year, the FSGA releases the Championship Schedule for the next year and competitive golfers around the state are excited to see the golf courses that they might have the opportunity to compete on. After the 2022 Schedule was released, some mid-amateur golfers (ages 25 & older) were surprised to see a prominent championship heading to one the farthest points in northwest Florida. See, Pensacola Country Club is located in the Panhandle of Florida just 10 miles from the Alabama state line. Players in the so-called “mainland of Florida” (Orlando and south) were taken aback after realizing their drive to the host club would take eight or more hours. Some asked, “What is so special about Pensacola Country Club?”
Several FSGA staff members have been fortunate enough to visit Pensacola Country Club in the past and know what makes it so special. Additionally, current FSGA President, Tony Capano, is a member and desired to showcase the course he calls home.
The FSGA spread the word about the wonderful course and encouraged our southern players to drive the extra few hours to compete in this year’s Mid-Amateur Stroke Play Championship. Our players did not disappoint. Entries for championship came flying into the office at a surprising pace. The field for this championship rarely fills; however, a few months before the championship it looked like this field of 144 players might fill. Unfortunately, less than two weeks before the championship, Hurricane Ian devastated southwest Florida causing many players to withdraw. Come to tournament time, we were pleased to start with a field of over 100 players.
The players began arriving on Thursday, October 6th for their practice rounds and the comments about the course started circulating… “This place is awesome!” “The views of the bay are beautiful.” “I could play here every day.” “I could hang out in the Men’s Grill (overlooking the bay) for hours.” Highly ranked player, Rhett Pooley, said, “These are the smoothest and fastest greens I’ve ever played on.” Another top player, Steve Albright said, “PCC is an amazing experience and unbelievably challenging venue, and certainly worthy of more FSGA championships in the near future!”
Tony Capano, Steve Dana, and several other members were influential in securing their home club to host the championship. The club’s staff lead by Head Professional, Dave Pilkington, and Superintendent, Josh Cook, worked extra hours during the months leading up to present the best possible experience for the players. Cook is pictured below and right with his pal Weyland as they were stimping the practice putting green. The greens were consistently stimping between 12.5 and 13.5 (that is very fast!).
Pensacola Country Club is the oldest private club in Florida. Founded in 1902, the club has a long and prominent history. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan hit the area hard and devastated the club and course. Shortly after, former U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open champion, Jerry Pate, redesigned the course into the masterpiece it is today.
Well done PCC! Your membership and staff should be proud of hosting an excellent championship!
Click Here to read about the wild finish at the championship.
(Pilkington, Capano and Cook pictured below)
