The 2026 Golfweek Pirate's Cup
TPC Tampa Bay
Lutz, FL
February 15-17, 2026
1200 Points
____________________THIS IS A LIMITED FIELD TOURNAMENT SO REGISTER EARLY_____________________
Avast, Ye!
Mark your calendar for February 15–17, 2026!
Join us at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, Florida, for the second annual Golfweek Pirate’s Cup. TPC Tampa Bay is a 21-year host of the PGA Tour Champions Encompass Insurance Pro-Am and one of the few Florida courses designated as an Audubon Sanctuary. It’s a true championship test—and the perfect setting for the 2026 Pirate’s Cup.
New for 2026:
In addition to the Senior Pirate’s Cup, we’re introducing a separate Mid-Master division for players ages 40–55. Both events will feature 54 holes of no-cut competition, with two champions crowned:
2026 Pirate’s Cup Senior Champion
2026 Pirate’s Cup Mid-Master Champion
Sharpen your game and prepare for battle—TPC Tampa Bay is ready to challenge every shot.
Don’t miss it… Arrr!
2025 Senior Champion - Bob Royak
2025 Mid-Master Champion - Thad Hudgens
All Golfweek senior amateur tournaments are WAGR events leading to exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur at Baltimore Country Club (East Course) in Baltimore, MD - August 29 - September 3, 2026, in Baltimore, MD
Tournament Facts:
Eligibility:
- Stand alone, Mid Master Pirate's Cup, age 40 to 54. (There is a minimum requirement of 15 players.)
- Stand alone, Senior Pirate's Cup, aged 55 and over by the start of tournament play.
- A Champion will be crowned in each tournament. Seniors and Mid-Masters will compete separately.
- Handicap Index of 7.0 or lower
- This is a cart only event.
Divisions:
Seniors: Playing in a separate tournament with WAGR counting guidelines in effect.
-Senior age 55-64
-Super Senior age 65-69
-Legends age 70-74
-Super Legends age 75+
Mid-Masters:
Age 40-54 playing in a separate tournament with WAGR counting guidelines in effect.
Tees-
- Senior Division will play approximately 6300-6500 yards
- Super Senior Division will play approximately 6000-6300 yards
- Legends Division will play approximately 5700-6000 yards
- Super Legends Division will play 5400-5700 yards
- Mid-Master playing 6600+
The yardage will be determined by course conditions and will vary from day to day.
Conditions of Play:
The USGA Rules of Golf and current interpretations shall be in effect
Tournament Registration of $799.00 Includes.
- Three (3) tournament rounds with cart
- Complete use of the practice facilities on practice round and tournament days
- Range balls prior to your round
- Club storage
-Tournament Favor
- Merchandise prize pool of $75.00 per player.
- Player's lunch and awards presentation at the conclusion of each division.
- This is a cart only tournament, no caddies
Practice Rounds:
- Starting January 9, 2025: Monday - Thursday anytime $149.00 / Friday - Sunday after 12 PM $179.00. It's a busy time of the year so MAKE SURE YOU CALL EARLY!
Accommodations: Are not included in your entry fee, however there are many reasonable options in the Tampa area.
Schedule of Events:
Optional Practice Round - See Practice Round information above
Sunday, February 15 -
7:30 am - ROUND 1. Off No.1
Afternoon & Evening: On you own
Monday, February 16 -
7:30 am - ROUND 2. Off No.1
Afternoon & Evening: On your own
Tuesday, February 17 -
7:27 am - Round 3. Off No. 1
Immediately after the conclusion of each division:
- Players Lunch
- Awards
- Departures
Helpful Links: TPC Tampa Bay
Other lodging options: VRBO
Golfweek National Senior Amateur Rankings: HERE
Contact Us:
Ron Gaines, Senior Tournaments & Senior Rankings: rgaines@golfweek.com
Cancellation Policy:
Deadline to register: February 12, 2026, or until field is full
Prior to January 6, 2026: 100% refund minus $75 cancellation fee
January 6, 2026 - January 26, 2026: 50% refund
After January 26, 2026 - No Refund
Note: All cancellations / withdrawals from the tournament MUST go through Ron Gaines, rgaines@golfweek.com in order to receive a refund (if applicable). Do not withdraw yourself using the Golf Genius application. Your information is cleared from the tournament portal with no way to process a refund if applicable. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTONS. Thank you.