Florida Senior Open Championship

Herrera Reclaims Senior Open Title

Eduardo Herrera, of Windermere, played three exceptional rounds of golf to be crowned the Florida Senior Open Champion for the second time after winning the championship in 2015 at Bellair Country Club. Herrera stood two shots back after round one with a four under-par 68. Taking the early lead was 2009 Florida Senior Open Champion, Jerry Tucker, of Stuart, who posted a six under-par 66. Gary Koch, former PGA Tour player, and Gene Fieger, 2010 Florida Senior Open Champion, tied for second place after the first round with a 67.

Round two began on Saturday morning and the players were fighting to make the cut into Sunday's final round. Mark Mielke, of Jupiter, charged to the lead carding the course record, nine under-par 63, for an eight under-par total! Mielke shot an impressive ten strokes less than day one to head into the final round one stroke ahead of Herrera, Fieger, and Miles McConnell who were all tied for second. The great course conditions and pristine greens led to a low cut of three over-par, 147. A total of 65 players, 42 professionals and 23 amateurs, advanced to the final round. Ten players stood within four shots of the lead, making for an exciting Sunday finish. 

The final round low 66 (-6) propelled Eduardo Herrera to a two stroke victory at 13 under-par, 203. Herrera started his round with a bang making an eagle on the par five, first hole. Posting two back-to-back birdies on holes three and four, Herrera made the turn at four under-par. Following close behind was Fieger who carded three birdies to turn at three under-par. Mielke and McConnell faltered in the final round, falling out of contention leaving the final nine holes a battle between Fieger and Herrera. A double bogey on Herrera's 12th hole brought the two players tied heading into the home stretch. Fieger birdied the 13th hole, putting pressure on Herrera's game The pressure seemed to light a fire for Herrera as he birdied holes 14, 15, and the final hole 18 to seal his win. Fieger carded a final nine, 35 for a 68 and tournament total of 205 (-11). Herrera hoisted the trophy for the second time in two years. 

The low amateur award went to Chris Howell, of Winter Garden, who posted three consecutive under par rounds (70, 70, 67) for a 208 (-8) total. Owen Joyner, of Bonita Springs, finished three strokes behind to claim second low amateur at 211 (-5). 

$35,000 Purse

The 41st Florida Senior Open heads to Imperial Golf Club (East & West Courses). For players to compete in the Florida Senior Open, they need to be 50 years old as of the first day of the Championship. For a look at the 2016 Championship Results click here.

Exemptions may be earned though State Amateur Championships and PGA Section Events. (See Exemptions listed at the bottom of this page)

Championship Format

• 54 holes of individual stroke play
• The field is cut to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes
• The lowest score for 54 holes is the Champion

Championship Field Size

• Maximum of 156 players

Eligibility

• Male amateur and professional golfers
• Florida Resident
• At least 50 years of age as of the first day of the Championship
• A valid USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 6.4 at time of entry (amateurs and amateurs awaiting reinstatement only)
• Entrant is not required to be a member of the FSGA
• PGA class A-3 members are ineligible
• Playing Activity - Players that have played in more than 10 select professional tour events are ineligible

Entry Fees

• Qualifying Fee: Qualifying Fee includes entry fee and cart fee.
• Championship Fee: Fee paid by those individuals who advance to the Championship through qualifying. Includes tee gifts and gift certificates, course and cart fees, and range balls.
  
• Exempt Fee: Exempt Fee includes Championship Fee and Entry Fee for those individuals eligible for exemption.

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

Pre-Registration

Those players who advance to the Championship through local qualifying must pre-register and remit the appropriate Championship Fee (see above) at www.fsga.org under the "My Account" section, which can be located in the top right hand corner of the web-page. Payment must be received by Friday, August 4 by 3:30 PM or the individual will be withdrawn from the Championship.

To Pre-Register:

• Log on to the FSGA website at www.fsga.org using your email address and password
• Click on "My Account" in the upper right hand corner of the homepage
• Under "My Tournaments", click on the "Pre-Register" button to the right of the tournament name
• Enter your credit card information and then click the "Charge My Card" button on the bottom right hand corner of the page

Refunds, Notice of Withdrawals

Requests for qualifying entry refunds received prior to entry closing date will be honored (less $20 per entry administrative fee). Requests received after the closing date will be honored (less 50% of entry fee). No requests will be honored within two days of the scheduled start date.

Requests for refunds of Exempt or Championship fees prior to the pre-registration deadline will be honored (less $20 per entry administrative fee). No requests will be honored after the pre-registration deadline.

Estimated Purse

$35,000  1st Place - $5,000

Schedule of Events 

Friday, August 11th

• 8:00 AM - 9:48 AM - Round One tee times off #1 and #10 at Imperial Golf Club - East Course
• 8:00 AM - 9:48 AM - Round One tee times off #1 and #10 at Imperial Golf Club - West Course

Saturday, August 12th

• 8:00 AM - 9:48 AM - Round Two tee times off #1 and #10 at Imperial Golf Club - East Course
• 8:00 AM - 9:48 AM - Round Two tee times off #1 and #10 at Imperial Golf Club - West Course 
• After 36 holes are complete, the field will be cut to the low 60 players and ties 

Sunday, August 13th

• 8:00 AM - Final Round tee times off #1 and #10 at Imperial Golf Club - East Course
• Awards ceremony immediately following the completion of play

Course Set-Up

The golf courses will be set-up at approximately 6,600 yards.

Local Qualifying

18 holes stroke play at 8 qualifying sites.

Transferring Qualifying Sites

Players may submit one entry for the Florida Senior Open and choose the site at which they will attempt to qualify.  However, if any site requires adjustment (including, but not limited to, the receipt of more entries than can be accommodated), players will be transferred to another site based on their preference listed on the entry application and date of receipt of entry application (i.e. later applicants will be subject to transfer).

Cart and Caddie Policy

During qualifying and the Championship proper, each player must use a golf cart which is included in the qualifying and Championship entry fees. Caddies are allowed, 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 Information

All players play eighteen holes each at Imperial Golf Club (East & West Courses, Friday, August 11th and Saturday, August 12th. The field will be cut to the low sixty and ties after 36 holes. The final eighteen holes will be played at Imperial Golf Club (East Course), Sunday, August 13th.

Championship Practice Round and  Practice Facility Information

Practice rounds will be available to the competitors one week prior of the competition on a space available basis and after 12:00 PM on the weekends. The cost of practice rounds is $30 plus tax. Players will be responsible for direct payment of any fees for the practice rounds. To schedule a practice round, call the Imperial Golf Club pro shop at (239) 597-7186. The golf shop will be closed Friday, August 4th.

Defending Champion

Michael Weeks (a), of Jupiter, was victorious at the 40th Florida Senior Open held at Willoughby Golf Club & Sailfish Point Golf Club in Stuart. Weeks fired a 67 in the final round to come from three strokes behind leader Lee Rinker to win the title by one stroke. Professionals Lee Rinker and David Good finished tied for second and split the first and second place professional payout. See more here.

Exemptions

Players in the following categories will be eligible for exemption provided they meet all entry and eligibility requirements.

PROFESSIONALS

• Last five year's Florida Senior Open Champions
• Professionals finishing top ten and tied from last year's Florida Senior Open Championship
• Championship Host Clubs' Representative (may be an amateur)
• Professionals finishing top three and tied from the current year's South Florida Senior Open Championship
• Professionals qualifying for the current year's PGA Senior Championship
• Professionals qualifying for the current year's U.S. Senior Open Championship
• Top three and tied from last year's Dixie, NFPGA and SFPGA Section Senior (Regular Division) Championship
• Top five and tied from last year's final Dixie, NFPGA and SFPGA Section Senior Player of the Year Points List
• Current year's NFPGA Senior Match Play Champion

AMATEURS

• Last five year's Florida Senior Open Champions
• Amateurs finishing top ten and tied from last year's Florida Senior Open Championship
• Low Amateur from last year's Florida Senior Open Championship
• Last two year's Senior Amateur Champions
• Current year's Senior Amateur Match Play Champion
• Amateurs finishing top three and tied from the current year's South Florida Senior Open Championship
• Low Amateur from the current year's South Florida Senior Open Championship
• Top five and tied from the current year's Senior Amateur Championship
• Top five and tied from last year's final FSGA Senior Player of the Year Points List
• Amateurs qualifying for the current year's U.S. Senior Open Championship
• Amateurs qualifying for last year's U.S. Senior Amateur Championship

Exemptions Earned from this Tournament

• Next five Florida Senior Open Championships
• Next year's Florida Open Championship

Players finishing in the top ten and tied

• Next year's Florida Senior Open Championship
• Next year's Senior Amateur Championship

Low Amateur

• Next year's Mid-Amateur Championship
• Next year's Florida Senior Open Championship

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.

Host Hotel and Accommodations

Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples

6 Miles - 15 minutes from Club

Resort View Room- $109

• Complimentary wireless internet access
• No Resort Fees
• Complimentary self-parking (Valet parking is not complimentary)
• Complimentary water in guestrooms
• Complimentary access to fitness center

All rooms are subject to applicable taxes.

The participant of the golf tournament can reference “Florida State Golf Association  and the event name” when calling for their reservation.

Please call (877) 557-3092 to make your reservation.

Click here to view resort website. 

DoubleTree Guest Suites Naples

1.5 miles - 4 minutes from club

$99 per room per night, plus tax.

Click here to book online, or call 239-593-8733 asking for the Florida Senior Open Room Block.

La Quinta

4 miles - 9 minutes

28600 Trails Edge Blvd
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239-495-9255
La Quinta Inn & Suites Bonita Springs/Naples North
28600 Trails Edge Blvd
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Phone:  (239) 495-9255 

$74.00 Rate for a Queen Double Room - Call requesting South Florida PGA Rate

NOTE:  Kings Rooms would be an additional $10.00 and a One Bedroom Suite an additional $20 on the above rate.  These rates do not include applicable state and local taxes (11%).  These special rates include a Complimentary Breakfast, High-Speed Internet, Microwaves and Refrigerators in all the rooms, State-of-the-art Fitness Center, Waterfront Heated Pool and Guest Computer Station.

Dress Code

• Proper attire for competitors and caddies is required at all times at the golf facility. Failure to comply may result in withdrawal of entry. 
• Golf Shorts are permitted
• All hats must be worn properly.
• Collared shirts or shirts specifically designed for golf must be worn and tucked in at all times.
• This code supplements any course or club guidelines, which shall take precedence.

Publicity and Promotion; Broadcasting

By participating in The Florida Senior Open you grant the FSGA/SFPGA and those acting with the FSGA/SFPGA, permission, authority and the permanent rights to use your name or likeness for publicity and promotional purposes. Participants understand that all Media, including film, photographic prints, audio or digital files are the exclusive property of the FSGA/SFPGA. Participants in FSGA/SFPGA events waive their rights to inspect or approve all media produced by the FSGA/SFPGA and those acting on the FSGA's behalf. Participants waive their permanent rights to compensation for use of their name and likeness by the FSGA/SFPGA.

Directions

Imperial Golf Club
1808 Imperial Golf Course Blvd.
Naples, FL 34110
239-597-8165

Click here to view Directions to Imperial Golf Club