Just last week, Golden Ocala hosted The Tradition — and what a premier, first-class golf event it was! Celebrating sportsmanship, camaraderie and integrity among male members and their guests, the18^th-edition festivities were marked by three days of match play. Staff golf professionals matched each participant’s handicap to a flight against six other teams. They all played five, nine-hole matches to win their flight and compete in an overall shootout with other flight winners. This year, we had nine flights of six and 54 teams of two. And the results could not have been more thrilling, with ideal weather, picture-perfect course conditions and stellar performances on our side!

The Results

Ciaran Dunne and Jack Goldthorpe battled Ross and D.J. Jones, playing the final hole twice to determine the winner. Ciaran hit a shot to the back collar, while Jack hit a tremendous lag putt to secure a victory on behalf of the Golden Bell Flight. It all happened on our 11^th hole, Augusta #12, ironically and fatefully nicknamed Golden Bell.

Congratulations to these phenomenal athletes and the following fellow flight champions:

• Tea Olive Flight & 2019 Champions Jeff Duncan & Jon Houchens
• Pink Dogwood Flight Doug Murphy & Stewart Menzies
• Azalea Flight Frank & Dan Puckett
• Magnolia Flight & Overall Runner Up Ross and D.J. Jones
• Yellow Jasmine Flight Bobby Villella & Adam Seuss

Tournament Itinerary

The Tradition launched on October 15^th with registration, practice and mini contests, followed by an open bar, gifts and steak dinner. The next day brought match one tee times as well as breakfast, lunch and refreshments by our very own Chef Rick Alabaugh, inspired by his newly debuted menu and intended to energize all players.

The renowned golf tournament concluded on October 16^th with shotgun matches, a shootout for flight winners and a country-club-attired awards dinner — including the Brad Wilkerson Trophy Presentation by Dr. Jim Wilkerson — in the elegant ballroom.

Unique Components of The Tradition

It goes without saying that Golden Ocala takes COVID-19 precautions seriously, and The Tradition was no different. All participants received a face shield to wear during the outdoor steak dinner and around the scoring area. Our golf professionals also recorded everyone’s temperature every day, right outside the golf shop.

In accordance with the CDC’s social distancing guidelines, we also distributed tee gifts by assigned times. On that same note, Golden Ocala extended the awards dinner into Raspberry’s, the ballroom and veranda.

We’re proud to say those alterations to our event evidently helped. Everyone had a fun experience, and a health one at that.

For a complete breakdown of The Tradition and information on preparations for our next tournament, click here and continue referring to our Weekly Gazette.