It has been 11 years since a Mid-Amateur player (25 years and older) has captured the Amateur Championship title, begging the question, can a Mid-Amateur win this prestigious event again?
Richard Maddox, of Panama City, captured the 2003 Amateur Championship at Bay Hill Club and Lodge, little did he know that 10 years would pass and still no player over the age of 25 has won the Championship. This year's field is stacked with talent of players 25 and over, including two of the hottest players in 2014, Don Bell, of Port Orange, and Pete Williams, of Juno Beach. Both players already have victories under their belts this season and are looking for another. Other notable players include, multiple time State Champions: Joe Alfieri, of Lutz, Stephen Anderson, Hobe Sound, Paul Melson, of Fort Lauderdale, Jon Veneziano, Mount Dora, Peter Wegmann, of Fort Lauderdale and Rick Woulfe, of Fort Lauderdale.
With Quail Valley Golf Club playing over 7,400 yards and Hawks Nest Golf Club playing a shade under 7,000 yards, the Mid-Amateur's will have a tall task at hand playing against a field full of young talent. Out of the 168 players in the field, 115 are under the age of 25, once again putting the odds in favor of the young guns. It will be an exciting week in Vero Beach, both courses are are in phenomenal shape and are ready for the players to test their skills.
Started in 1914, the Florida Amateur Championship is the oldest continuous sporting event in the state as well as the largest amateur event in Florida. Past Amateur champions include Bob Murphy, Jerry Pate, and PGA Tour players David Peoples, Chris Couch, and Barry Cheesman.
Spectators and media are welcome to watch the state’s best amateur golfers compete at Quail Valley Golf Club and Hawk’s Nest Golf Club.
