OVERVIEW

 

The 63rd JAGA Jacksonville Amateur Championship presented by Synovus will be held July 18-20, 2024, which is a Thursday through a Saturday. Jacksonville Golf & Country Club (JG&CC) will host the Championship this year. The Club address is 3985 Hunt Club Road, Jacksonville, Fla., 32224. Hans Grover is the general manager. Roman O’Rourke is the director of golf. The golf shop phone number is 904-223-6910. The main club number is 904-223-5555. Its website is jaxgcc.com.

 

 

NEW PRESENTING SPONSOR / SYNOVUS

 

JAGA welcomes Synovus as the first presenting sponsor in the 63-year history of the JAGA Jacksonville Amateur Championship. Synovus provides commercial and consumer banking, including a full suite of specialized products and services to meet the banking and financial needs of families, individuals, and businesses across the Southeast. It is ranked No.1 for customer satisfaction and trust in the Southeast by J.D. Power. Synovus has partnered with JAGA to enhance its brand awareness in Northeast Florida and develop business leads. Tournament contestants are encouraged to consider Synovus for their business and personal banking needs and consider recommending others do the same.

 

 

ELIGIBILITY

 

All amateur golfers who are residents of Northeast Florida and have a current certified USGA handicap index are eligible to compete – 2.4 or less (males). Indexes will be verified.

 

Contestants must be 16 years of age or under the age of 60 on or prior to the first round on July 18, 2024.

 

Contestant entries are limited to those whose primary residence is in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, Flagler, Putnam, Columbia, Suwannee and Baker counties. 

 

There will no longer be a category for out-of-region entries.

 

 

WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKING POINTS

 

Once again, World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points will be awarded to the top finishers in the Championship. For more information on WAGR, click here: http://www.wagr.com/

 

 

PLAYER SELECTION PROCESS

 

In response to last year’s record-breaking number of entries, several modifications have been made to the Player Selection Process for the 2024 Jacksonville Amateur, including the possibility of a qualifier being held. Please read the following carefully.

 

Categories of Entries

  • There are three categories of entrants to the Jacksonville Amateur:

+ Exempt

+ Priority

+ Open

  • Exempt entrants are those players who fall under at least one of the following:

  + Jacksonville Amateur champion (2019 – 2023)

  + Made the cut in the 2023 Jacksonville Amateur

  + Member of the 2024 Underwood Cup Amateur Team

  + 2024 JAGA Senior Amateur champion (subject to age restrictions)

  + Two North Florida Junior Golf Tour champions (TBD and subject to age restrictions)

  • Priority entrants are those who are not exempt, but the Tournament Committee deems worthy of a playing spot based on recent competitive performance and other factors, including past participation in JAGA events and affiliation with a JAGA member club.
  • Open entrants are all others who meet the general entry requirements of age, handicap and hometown but are not tabbed among the first 84 in the Exempt and Priority categories.

 

Pertinent Details

  • Contestants who do not have Exempt status will be required to submit a record of competitive finishes from tournaments played within the last two years during the registration process.
  • The Tournament Committee will review all Open entries to determine who among them is added to the field to reach the maximum field size of 96.
  • In the event the number of entries exceeds 110 and the decision is made to conduct a qualifier, the first 84 players will not be subject to play in the qualifier. Players slotted 85 and above by the Tournament Committee will be subject to play in the qualifier in order to gain a spot in the tournament field.
  • If the tournament receives between 97 and 110 applicants, the Tournament Committee will select the top 96 to the best of its ability based on the competitive results submitted and other factors, including past participation in JAGA events and one’s affiliation with a JAGA member club. Similarly, it will also create an alternates list to fill the field in the event of withdrawals.
  • Registration for the 2024 championship opens for all categories on May 15, 2024. The entry deadline has been extended from June 15 to July 1, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET. The July 1st deadline applies to all entrants, including Exempt players.
  • Exempt entries will receive a timely verification of their entry. Those who are not exempt will not receive confirmation of their entry until after June 15th.
  • The Tournament Committee reserves the right to make up to four selections of its choosing.
  • The field will be a maximum of 96 players. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to modify the field size if 96 players do not enter.
  • Should it be determined a qualifier is necessary, it will be played on Tuesday, July 2nd at Stillwater GC. The entry fee will be $100.

Note: The category for out-of-region entries is no longer available.

 

 

ENTRY FEE

 

$350 entry fee per player, which includes golf, carts, practice balls (pre- and post-round), tournament gift, lunch each day, and awards.

 

 

ENTRIES

 

All players shall apply online via the JAGA website (www.jaxareagolf.org). Click on the “Tournaments” tab on the home page, then “JAGA Jacksonville Amateur”. Entry fee charges will not be applied until a contestant’s entry has been approved.

 

This year's earlier than normal entry deadline is in place in response to last year’s dramatic increase in the number of Jax Am tournament entries. Per the above (see “Player Selection Process”), a qualifier may be held should the number of entries reach or exceed 110.

 

 

WITHDRAWALS & REFUNDS

 

In the event of withdrawal prior to the close of entries on July 1st, entry fees will be refunded less a $25 administrative fee. 

 

If a contestant withdraws after the July 1st entry deadline, they will receive an entry fee refund less a $100 administrative fee. Note: Alternative refund consideration will be given to those who enter the Jacksonville Amateur presented by Synovus but qualify for the Florida Open on July 8th at Palencia.

 

No entry fee refunds will be made once the competition has begun on July 18th.

 

 

FORMAT

 

The Championship is 54 holes of individual stroke-play competition.

 

The field size will be a maximum of 96 players, with first-round and second-round play in foursomes prior to the cut. The third/final round will be in threesomes.

 

A cut will be made after 36 holes to the top half of the field and ties. The field size is the number of participants as of the first tee time on Thursday, July 18th.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE

 

Thursday, July 18th Double Tee start at 8:00 a.m. 

 

Friday, July 19th Double Tee Start at 8:00am ; Cut to the top half of the field and ties after play concludes.

 

Saturday, July 20th Tee times at 8:00 a.m. off #1

 

Contestants will be regrouped according to score for Friday’s and Saturday’s rounds, with the leaders going off last. In the event of ties, the system of “first to post a score is last out” will be in effect in establishing groupings.

 

 

WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS

 

In the event of inclement weather and a round cannot be completed or rescheduled, the Championship will revert to the scores from the previously completed round to determine a champion.

 

 

PRIZES

 

The winner will retain custody of the Championship trophy for one year following the win. Alternatively, the champion’s home club will be asked to display the trophy.

 

Merchandise Certificates redeemable in the JG&CC golf shop will be presented to the top-24 finishers and ties. Ties will not be broken. The payouts for tied positions will be shared evenly. The total purse for certificates will be $5,760 assuming 96 players start the championship.  

 

An Awards Presentation will take place immediately after play concludes and a champion is determined. All contestants are encouraged to be on hand to honor the 2024 champion and thank Synovus for its support of the championship.

 

 

TIES

 

In the event of a tie after 54 holes, a sudden-death playoff will be conducted once all scores are posted, beginning at a hole or rotation of holes determined by the Tournament Committee, in consultation with the JG&CC golf staff.

 

 

LUNCH

 

Lunch will be served in the JB&CC clubhouse after all three competition rounds.

 

 

PRACTICE ROUNDS

 

Tournament participants may play one practice round at JG&CC on the weekdays of July 11-12 and 15-17, with starting times no earlier than noon each day. The cost is $30 plus tax. You can inquire about playing on the weekend (13-14), but availability is unlikely due to member activity.

 

Call the JG&CC Golf Shop (904-233-6910) to request a tee time.

 

Hitting multiple shots during practice rounds is not permitted.

 

 

CARTS

 

Cart availability is at a premium at JG&CC. Contestants will be required to use golf carts provided by JG&CC. Contestants who are members may use their personal golf carts during play but will be required to pair up with a fellow competitor.

 

Only competitors may ride in golf carts, regardless of space availability.

 

Walking will not be an option due to the need to potentially evacuate the course in the event of approaching weather.

 

 

The use of caddies in any fashion is not permitted.

 

Spectator rental carts will not be available. Spectators are welcome to walk and follow play provided they remain a respectful distance from the competitors.

 

 

RANGE FINDERS

 

Range Finders are permitted in the tournament but may be used for distance measuring only. Any other features, i.e., wind and slope, must be disabled.

 

 

RULES OF GOLF; CLOSE OF COMPETITION

 

Play will be governed by the Rules of Golf as approved by the U.S.G.A. and the Local Rules and Terms of the Competition for JAGA championships (i.e., Hard Card). See JAGA website (www.jaxareagolf.org > “Tournaments” tab > “Rules”). Questions will be settled by the JAGA Tournament Committee, whose decision shall be final. The competition shall be deemed to have closed after all prizes have been awarded.

 

Highly experienced rules and competition officials will oversee the golf course set up and rulings during the competition.

 

 

LOCAL RULES, PACE OF PLAY & SUSPENSION OF PLAY

 

See the Championship “Notice to Players”, which will be available online in advance of and on the first tee(s) each day during the Championship.

 

 

ATTIRE

 

All contestants, spectators and JAGA officials are guests of host JG&CC during the Championship. As such, adherence to the club’s dress code is required.  Items such as denim clothing, athletic shorts, t-shirts and cargo shorts are not considered professional. Shorts and slacks are acceptable. Shirts with collars are required and must be tucked in at all times. Soft spikes only. Hats worn bill forward.

 

 

CONDITIONS, SCHEDULES

 

The JAGA Tournament Committee reserves the right to alter any of the conditions and schedules set forth in this document. The decisions of the Tournament Committee on any matter shall be final.

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaxareagolf

 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/jacksonville-area-golf-association-jaga/

 

 

QUESTIONS / TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

 

JAGA Tournament Chairmen 

Jeff Adams                   jeffreytadams71@gmail.com / 904-607-6142

Tim Iley                        tim@onthegreenconsulting.com / 912-313-8054

 

 

Host Club Officials

Dennis Fallon                dkf1107@gmail.com / 847-612-0970                 

Skip Lunsford                skip119@yahoo.com / 904-655-5367

 

 

DOCUMENT UPDATED: June 10, 2024