Warm Weather on the Green

After some bone-chilling temperatures and significant cold snaps, natural vigor is returning to Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club’s turf just in time for the spring and summer seasons! Golf Director Ryan Gray and his team are continuing to create member golf events to welcome the warm weather and glorious sun that is expected to shine upon our fairways.

First, get all the wine, craft beer, Raspberry’s entrees and golf prizes that you can on the last two Wine Down Wednesdays. Session 3 on March 28^th has a 4 p.m. shotgun start and includes a nine-hole short-game contest. Then, on April 25^th, the league concludes with a 5 p.m. shotgun and nine-hole scramble with special on-course guests. To sign up as an individual, twosome or foursome, contact Ryan at ryan.gray@goldenocala.com.

After the last glass is poured, register to play with a pro – Ryan Gray, Thomas Moore or Bobby Ranken. Any male, female or junior can sign up a foursome and add a professional during the winter series through April and the summer series from May through October. Just bear in mind, each member team can only play with each professional one time per series.

Check Yourself at the Clinic & More

Ladies Golf Clinics continue every Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m., while Junior Golf Clinics (ages 5 and up) still run every Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m., both with Ryan and Thomas. Although each session is $25 and $15 respectively, there is no need to register per week.

Golden Ocala has also added a Ladies Golf Day every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m., an all-day Fierce Friday event on March 23^rd and an annual opportunity for members to play with their guests from April 12^th-14^th.  If you have not already received an invitation and itinerary, email Ryan.

On Thursday, March 22^nd, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., members can try out Cure Putters, Mizuno and Taylormade clubs and equipment. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, March 28^th, from 12 to 4 p.m., Cleveland and Srixon XXIO will provide the same complimentary experience for members.

Then, the remaining couples golf tournaments, with 1 p.m. shotguns and a cost of $20 per team including prizes and post-event live music, are:

• Saturday, March 24^th – Mixed Club Championship
• Sunday, April 8^th – Team Stableford
• Sunday, April 22^nd – Mixed Format, which changes every six holes

To register, email Ryan.

Finally, on March 25^th, we will host the Don Harrison Golf Tournament at 2 p.m. The annual event, in honor of a decorated military veteran who performed charitable duties throughout Marion County, includes a buffet lunch, entertainment, a silent auction, awards and a 2-4-person scramble. To sign up, donate or volunteer, visit DonHarrisonFoundation.org.
 

Shootout and Pro-Am Opportunities

In an effort to pair golf with comradery and competition, Golden Ocala has further developed an April-qualifying 19-person shootout. On Saturday, May 12^th, at 10 a.m., 19 members with the lowest net scores for the month of April will play all at once to determine a shootout champion. The cost to qualify is $20 per turn. Chances are unlimited, as long as you play with another qualifying member.

And if you are interested in joining Ryan, Thomas and Bobby for a pro-am on Monday, April 9^th at the Ritz- Carlton Orlando Golf Club, email Ryan. But act fast – the team is limited to nine members. Can’t make it that day? There are other pro-am opportunities on May 7^th at Golden Ocala, July 9^th at Grand Cypress and July 16^th at Bay Hill.

We hope this is a jam-packed, golf-filled summer with as much friendly competition as Golden Ocala can hold!