14 December 15  |  Golf   |  

Coates Golf Championship Scheduled for February at Golden Ocala

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club will host the Coates Golf Championship, featuring some of the LPGA’s best players, again next year. The event is set for Feb. 1-6.

“The Coates Golf Championship was a great success for Ocala/Marion County in 2015 and we’re excited to bring the event back in February,” said Coates Golf president Mollie Coates in a statement. “Again and again the players commented on the size of the galleries at the inaugural tournament and how welcome they felt within the community. The goal is to continue exceeding the community’s, the players’ and our sponsors’ expectations. It’s an exciting week-long event whether you play golf or not.”

R+L Carriers is the event’s presenting sponsor; Coates Golf is the title sponsor. Organizers estimated more than 80,000 people attended last year’s event with a local economic impact of $18.4 million.

Coates Golf Championship to be held at Golden Ocala

Na Yeon Choi Won LPGA Last Year

Na Yeon Choi earned her ninth-career LPGA victory and Lydia Ko, then 17, ascended to No. 1 on the Rolex Rankings at last year’s tournament, according to news sources. The championship gives spectators the opportunity in 2016 to see the world’s best women golfers in the LPGA play in the United States.

“Golf fans in Central Florida and beyond have the opportunity to meet their favorite players and see world class golf at the Coates Golf Championship Presented by R + L Carriers,” said tournament director Kelly McAnally in a statement. “IMG is proud to operate the first US-based tournament of the season. Golden Ocala provides a picturesque backdrop for the exciting golf we expect to see in February and the tournament showcases all that Ocala/Marion County has to offer on a global stage.”

About 120 golfers played in last year’s tournament. Last year’s purse totaled more than $1.5 million. The Golf Channel will cover the tournament.

A Craft Beer Garden will offer local and regional brands. An ungraded craft ticket offering will include tournament admission to the LPGA event and a traditional sampling glass, according to Coates Golf Championship.Launched in early 2015, Coates Golf is dedicated to promoting women’s golf and offers performance equipment for women.

Coates Golf Championship to be held in February

Ticket packages for the championship are available online. Single-day grounds tickets are $15; weekly grounds tickets are $45. Admission for children 12 and under with adults with tickets is free.

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club offers golfers the opportunity to play on an exciting 18-hole championship course designed by Ron Garl. The course has tribute holes from the some of the world’s finest courses including Augusta, Royal Troon, Baltusrol, Muirfield and St. Andrews.

Golden Ocala presents a 10-acre short game area with two practice holes and a driving game. Its Golf Shop sells clubs, clothing and most golf accessories from the game’s top names. Private lessons are offered by PGA professional instructors John Elliot, Jr., Mike Cooney, Nick Montanero, Thomas Moore and Darren Robinson.

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