Excitement Builds for the 35th Underwood Cup at Plantation at Ponte Vedra
The 35th installment of the Underwood Cup is set to take place at the Plantation at Ponte Vedra on February 2-3, featuring an engaging clash between seasoned Northern Chapter PGA professionals and dedicated First Coast amateurs. This annual match-play event will be a highlight of the golf calendar, offering fans an unforgettable showcase of skill and sportsmanship.
Captains and Team Lineups
Leading the professional team is Dean Grunewald, while Steve Carter will captain the amateur side. Each captain has selected three rookies to join their 12-man squads. Notably, this year marks the first occasion the Cup Matches are held outside Duval County, with previous venues including Timuquana Country Club from 1999 to 2022, followed by San Jose Country Club and Deerwood Country Club.
Rookie Participants
Professional Rookies:
- Jarrod Barsamian (Ponte Vedra Inn and Club)
- Austin Hill (Timuquana)
- Andrew Lanahan (PGA Tour Performance Center)
- Amateur Rookies:
- Tyler Gulliksen (Amelia National)
- Ty Capps (Hammock Dunes Club)
- Graham Nichols (Timuquana)
Full Team Roster
Professional Team:
- Dean Grunewald (Captain)
- Clint Avret (Southeastern Turf Supply)
- Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth (San Jose)
- Hayes Farley (San Jose)
- Rob Lee (Westside Golf Center)
- Sydney Mattiace (Sawgrass Country Club)
- Bobby Newberry (Timuquana)
- P.J. Politan (GreatLIFE Golf)
- Aaron Russell (Sawgrass)
- Josh Wolfe (Ponte Vedra Inn and Club)
Amateur Team:
- Steve Carter (Captain)
- Chase Baldwin (Deerwood)
- Jordan Batchelor (Deerwood)
- Jeff Dennis (TPC Sawgrass)
- Sam Giese (Timuquana)
- Jeff Golden (Jacksonville Beach)
- Lance LaCombe (Fleming Island)
- Andrew Morris (St. Johns Golf and Country Club)
- Matt Sexton (San Jose)
- Mike Smith (TPC Sawgrass)
Last Year’s Results
In a thrilling showdown last year, the amateurs triumphed with a score of 14-10, marking a significant comeback. Historically, the amateurs maintain an 18-13-3 lead over the professionals in the series.
Match Format
The competition will consist of six foursomes matches on February 2 morning, followed by six four-ball matches in the afternoon. The excitement will culminate on February 3 with a series of 12 singles matches.
JAGA Announces 2026 Schedule
The Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA) has officially unveiled its 2026 schedule, kicking off with the 10th First Coast Amateur at Deerwood Country Club from January 17-19. This extensive schedule features 11 championships, including prestigious events like the JAGA Senior Championship on May 3-5 at Stillwater Golf and Country Club and the JAGA Amateur from July 19-21 at Sawgrass Country Club.
Key Upcoming JAGA Championships:
- JAGA Senior Championship: May 3-5, Stillwater Golf and Country Club
- JAGA Amateur: July 19-21, Sawgrass Country Club
- First Coast Women’s Amateur: July 20-22, Jacksonville Golf and Country Club
For more details on tournament entries, interested participants can refer to the JAGA official website.
Leadership Changes: Derek Sprague Steps Down
In a recent development, Derek Sprague, the former general manager at TPC Sawgrass, has announced his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of America, citing familial obligations. A PGA member since 1993, Sprague previously served as the Association President and was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2019. During his leadership, he played an instrumental role in transitioning The Players Championship from March to May and guiding the club through the pandemic.
Upcoming Events on the First Coast
The Women’s Southern Golf Association’s 41st WSGA Senior Championship will be hosted at King & Bear from October 5-7. Additionally, notable local achievements include Bill Hargrove matching his age with a score of 87 at San Jose, alongside a hole-in-one. In the Florida State Golf Association’s Winter Series at Innisbrook Resort, Brian King of Fernandina Beach secured second place in a competitive field.
The Underwood Cup promises captivating moments and fierce competition. Golf enthusiasts should mark their calendars for February 2-3 at Plantation at Ponte Vedra to witness this storied rivalry unfold.
