Events, Golf

Fort Walton Beach Golf Club hosts 58th Annual Southern Juniors tournament

The Fort Walton Beach Golf Club will host the First Tee Gulf Coast's 58th Annual Southern Juniors tournament for the first time in Okaloosa County history.

Jared Williams

The Fort Walton Beach Golf Club will host the First Tee Gulf Coast’s 58th Annual Southern Juniors tournament, presented by Ronny’s Car Wash, on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1 at the Oaks Course.

The tournament marks the first time the event has been held in Okaloosa County since its establishment by Pensacola Sports in 1968.

The Southern Juniors was originally played at Scenic Hills Country Club and has since rotated among various Northwest Florida courses, including A.C. Read at Pensacola NAS and the Pensacola Country Club.

“We’re excited to host the tournament,” said Golf Course Director Jacob Hill. “Anytime we can get junior golfers out on our course it’s a good thing.”

The Southern Juniors is part of a five-week, five-tournament series that comprises the Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association’s 36th Annual Summer Tour. The tour is open to junior golfers ages 5-18, with 80-90 golfers expected to participate in the Fort Walton Beach event.

First Tee is a non-profit youth development organization that uses golf to help children learn self-confidence, resilience, life and leadership skills. The organization has provided programming at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club since 2013.

The tournament features two divisions. The Future Masters Division serves developing golfers ages 5-18, with ages 5-6 playing six holes per tournament and ages 7-18 playing nine holes. The Junior Masters Division targets more advanced junior golfers seeking tournament experience for high school or college golf preparation. While there is no minimum age for this division, it is recommended for ages 14-18, and players must make a “cut” to participate.

Over the past 35 years, thousands of young golfers have participated with the GPJGA, including professional golfers Heath Slocum, Boo Weekley and two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson.

Tournament play is scheduled to conclude by 2 p.m. each day. Monday’s competition will feature Future Masters ages 12-18 and the Junior Masters Division, while Tuesday will include Future Masters ages 5-11 and the Junior Masters Division.

The Pines Course at the facility is currently under renovation and will remain closed until September.

For more information, contact Tournament Director Ty Aulger at ty@firstteegulfcoast.org or Golf Course Director Jacob Hill at 850-833-9527.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

News

FWB City Manager details impacts of 3% budget cap in white paper as lawsuit challenges March ballot language

Public Safety

City of Fort Walton Beach to unveil new police, fire boats at public event

Parks+Rec

City of Fort Walton Beach finalizes financing for 12-acre Preston Hood Athletic Complex expansion

Business

City of Fort Walton Beach approves twice-weekly garbage pickup starting in October

Frank Luke commented on Destin High School restructuring debt to align with lower-than-projected enrollment

“If we offer Saturday classes to students who withdrew from any school in Okaloosa and the county pays the school for it, would it help? I understand students are leaving...”

Respond

Jackie English commented on Okaloosa, NWFSC collaborate to produce commemorative SS United States coins from ship’s salvaged aluminum

“My mom, sister and I sailed across the Atlantic to England in February 1954, I was 7 years old.”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: February 13, 2026

“1 MIN 41 SEC”

Gwen Break commented on FWB Moose Lodge has donated more than $17,000 since 2022 to help eliminate elementary student lunch debt

“To me this is what being a good citizen is about. I commend the Moose Lodge organization for its charitable efforts and hope other organizations will emulate them. Thank you.”

TW commented on Mia Manganello, who grew up in Crestview, eyes Olympic gold after dominant World Cup season

“God be with you Mia! You’ve got this. TW, Crestview”

filftwalton commented on Eglin Air Force Base prohibits dash cams, recording devices in vehicles

“Eglin is over reaching with directives and limiting access to Eglin (actually taxpayer) property. I fully agree with E Robbeloth (see his comment). I witness unbelievable reckless driving on base...”

Ds commented on WordroW: February 13, 2026

“The Moose charities do so much for children. Thanks to all the members for continuing to support them.”

🌴Jennifer Fox commented on The best sunset spots along Destin-Fort Walton Beach

“Excellent article! I’m no professional, but I love taking pictures of the sunsets here. As I read through the suggested spots, my agreement grew. Yes that’s a good place…oh hey...”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: February 12, 2026

“2 min 38 sec”

Hare commented on Eglin Air Force Base prohibits dash cams, recording devices in vehicles

“Only phones without cameras on-base .”