St. Augustine Gears Up for the 19th St. Augustine Amateur
Excitement is in the air as St. Augustine, Florida, prepares to host the 19th annual St. Augustine Amateur from December 6-8, 2024, at the stunning St. Johns Golf Club. This tournament, which has been a major highlight of the amateur golf calendar since its inception in 2004, is set to bring together some of the brightest talents from across the country and beyond.
Resuming Tradition After a Hiatus
After a two-year break for course renovations, the St. Augustine Amateur made a triumphant return last year, and the buzz surrounding this year’s event is stronger than ever. The renovation was spearheaded by renowned golf course architect Erik Larsen and Director of Golf/General Manager Wes Tucker, creating a new par-71, 7,009-yard layout that players absolutely raved about. These “traditional throwback” features have set the stage for some thrilling competition.
A Spectacular Comeback by a Local Golfer
In 2023, the tournament saw a remarkable performance from former Bartram Trail High School standout, Brody Stevenson. Stevenson fired a final-round score of 65, finishing at 11-under par to clinch the title by two strokes. His victory didn’t just earn him bragging rights; it also propelled him to being honored as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference all-freshman team for Florida Gulf Coast University just a few months later.
Supporting the Next Generation of Golfers
What makes the St. Augustine Amateur even more special is its commitment to making a positive impact. All net proceeds from the tournament will support First Tee–North Florida, a fantastic local youth development organization. Thanks to dedicated sponsors, this year’s event is projected to raise over $25,000, pushing the total support for First Tee to nearly $500,000 since the tournament started. That’s a significant contribution towards nurturing young golfers in the community!
Field of Dreams – Talent from All Over
Each year, the St. Augustine Amateur attracts a mix of competitors, and 2024 promises to be no different. The maximum field of 84 players is expected to include both current NCAA Division I athletes and nationally ranked junior golfers. Last year, the age of participants ranged from as young as 13 to as mature as 44, showcasing the tournament’s appeal across generations. It’s a melting pot of talent, with past champions hailing from the U.S. and countries like Malaysia, Italy, South Korea, and even Norway!
A Legacy of Champions
Since the tournament’s launch in 2004, there have been 18 champions, many of whom have gone on to make waves in the professional golfing world. Notable previous winners include future PGA Tour stars such as Peter Uihlein (2006), Zach Sucher (2008), and Blayne Barber (2009). The strength of this tournament lies not just in its past but also in its ongoing ability to churn out future golf legends.
Looking Ahead
With the transition of tournament dates to December, tournament officials are optimistic about attracting an even higher caliber of players. This schedule change aims to sidestep the busy fall college golf season, making room for more college stars who are eager to showcase their skills at the prestigious event.
As players prepare to hit the course once more, both locals and visitors are gearing up for three exciting days of golf in scenic St. Augustine. Whether you’re a hardcore golf fan or a casual spectator, the St. Augustine Amateur rings in the holiday spirit with thrilling competition, community involvement, and a celebration of the sport we love.
