Max Bengtsson Dominates the 10th First Coast Amateur Championship
The 10th First Coast Amateur held at Deerwood Country Club concluded with an impressive victory by Coastal Carolina senior Max Bengtsson. After a remarkable final round score of 69 on January 19, Bengtsson secured a five-shot win over University of South Florida freshman Roman Solomon, finishing with an overall score of 5-under-par 211.
Key Highlights from the Tournament
- Champion: Max Bengtsson, Coastal Carolina
- Final Round Score: 69
- Total Score: 5-under-par 211
- Runner-Up: Roman Solomon, USF
- Runner-Up Final Round Score: 70
- Total Score: Even-par 216
- Third Place: Rasmus Gross, University of Toledo (76)
- Total Score: 1-over-par
- Tied for Fourth: Danny Erickson, UNF (219, 3-over)
Max Bengtsson of Coastal Carolina University won the 10th First Coast Amateur Championship at the Deerwood Country Club on January 19.
Bengtsson, a native of Sweden who previously played at Tarleton State, showcased his exceptional skills by posting three birdies in his opening seven holes. He began the day just one shot off the lead held by Rasmus Gross. Despite one bogey, Bengtsson’s performance was commanding, proving his status as a rising star in college golf.
Denman, who won last year’s tournament by a record nine shots, finished tied for ninth this year at 5-over-par.
Renovation Completed at Amelia National Golf and Country Club
The Amelia National Golf and Country Club recently celebrated the completion of its extensive $15 million renovation, led by original architect Tom Fazio. The project, which began in March 2025, introduces several enhancements aimed at improving player experience.
Key Features of the Renovation:
New Grass Installations:
- TifTuf Bermuda grass for fairways, tees, and rough
- TifEagle Bermuda grass for greens
Course Improvements:
- Refined holes and fairways for better playability
- Updated bunkers using "Bunker Solution" technology to minimize washout issues
- Restoration of green sizes for optimized hole placements
- Enhanced Experience:
- Repositioned cart tracks for improved player flow
- Tree and foliage trimming for better views and drainage
Mori Hosseini, Chairman and CEO of ICI Homes, emphasized the renovation was focused on preserving the club’s community spirit to ensure future generations can create cherished memories.
Youth Organizations Unite to Increase Participation in Youth Sports
In an effort to boost youth sports engagement, the PGA of America, First Tee, and Youth on Course have joined forces as part of the Aspen Institute’s Project Play 63X30 initiative. This initiative aims to increase youth sports participation by 63 percent over the next five years.
Current Participation Statistics:
- 54% of children aged 6-17 played on an athletic team or took golf lessons in 2022, down from 58% in 2017.
By aligning with Project Play’s yearly themes, the golf organizations plan to address issues such as facility access and uphold the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.
Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee, stated, "While First Tee’s mission is to help young people build character through golf, the development of the game of golf has always been an important byproduct of our work."
Recent Results from Florida State Golf Association Events
In addition, Mark Spencer of Jacksonville triumphed in the senior division of the Florida State Golf Association Winter Series event held on January 20-21 at Slammer & Squire, with a score of 71-73–144.
Senior Division Top Performers:
- Mark Spencer – 144
- Rocky Fraleigh – 145
- Bill Hardaker – 150
David Anthony of Jacksonville won the super senior division with a score of 146, besting competitors including Bart Abstein and Jeff Kaufman.
Middle Division Performers:
- Tama Caldabaugh and Carolina Hart finished fifth in the Women’s International Four-Ball tournament.
- Jack Cole tied for third in a Florida Junior Tour event with a final-round score of 70.
As the golf season progresses, events like the First Coast Amateur and the recent renovations at Amelia National illustrate the vibrancy and growth of the sport in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and player performances!
