Florida State Golf Association acquires Florida Open

TAMPA - The Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Florida Open. The FSGA will begin conducting the Florida Open in 2009. There will not be a Florida Open this year.
 
“The FSGA has acquired the Florida Open in an effort to restore the event to its former status as the State’s premier Championship for professionals and amateurs,” said Jim Demick, FSGA Executive Director. “The FSGA will work very closely with the PGA Sections and the PGA members of Florida to develop a first-class championship to predominately include Florida Section Professionals, amateurs and some non-affiliated professionals." 

The Florida Open will include local qualifying throughout the state with qualifying fees as low as possible to encourage widespread participation. All proceeds from entry fees and sponsorships will go towards the purse, the direct cost of conducting the Championship and any designated charities. The purse will be structured to pay the field as deeply as possible.
 
The Florida Open has a rich history that dates back to 1942 with Lou Broward winning the first championship. Considered the premier State Open Championship, the Florida Open has been a launching pad for many great players including Bob Murphy (1967), Gary Koch (1969), Bruce Fleisher (1980, 1987) and Bart Bryant (1988, 1994).
 
For more information on the Florida Open, please visit www.fsga.org and contact the FSGA at (813) 632-3742 with any questions.

Organized in 1913, the Florida State Golf Association is a not-for-profit organization that governs amateur golf in the state of Florida. In addition to conducting 25 championships for amateur golfers in the state, the FSGA is responsible for more than 40 qualifying tournaments for USGA National Championships. The FSGA also maintains the USGA Handicap System, performs course ratings throughout Florida and assists in junior programs and scholarships.