Southeastern Challenge Matches
The Southeastern Challenge Match is an annual competition among male amateur golfers representing the states of Alabama, Florida and Georgia in the odd years and female amateur golfers representing the states of Alabama, Florida and Georgia in the odd years. The teams consist of eight mid-amateur and four senior golfers selected by their respective golf association. The host site rotates among the three states. The Men’s Southeast Challenge Match debuted at Lake Nona Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, in 1989 as an event intended to promote goodwill and competition between the best amateur players, playing as a team, from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The inaugural playing of the Women’s Southeastern Challenge Match will take place Monday and Tuesday, August 13-14, 2012 at The Country Club of Ocala in Ocala, Florda.
The Ryder Cup format was selected as the form of play and has been well received by all the players as it gives them an opportunity to compete as a team, something not often done in the individual sport of golf, as well competes for their state against the other two states. It also provides them an opportunity during one set of the matches at Foursomes play, a format very popular in the British Isles but not often chosen in the states.
The Men’s series now stands at six wins for Florida, five for Georgia and a single win for Alabama. The Florida team won the inagural Women’s Competition.
2012 HOST: Florida – Women
2013 HOST: Georgia – Men
DEFENDING MEN’S CHAMPIONS: In 2010, Florida won with 25 points while Georgia earned 22 1/2 points and Alabama gained 15 1/2 points at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach, Florida
2013 CHAMPIONSHIP: Georgia is the host of the next edition of the Southeastern Challenge Matches. Ryder Cup format – Saturday AM is Four-Ball match play followed by PM Foursomes (alternate shot) match play. Sunday morning is Three-ball match play.
The AGA selects a twelve player team to represent Alabama in this biennial competition against Florida and Georgia consisting of one player 21 years and older, seven Mid-Amateurs (25 and older), two players 50 years of age and older and two Senior Amateurs (55 and older). The team selections are based on Player Points rankings and Captains Picks.
