By Matt Hibbs
How would you like to be standing over a 10-foot putt with a chance to win $17,000? Year after year, that’s what the Ocala Open presents to up-and-coming professional golfers.
From Wednesday, March 25, through Friday, March 27, Candler Hills Golf Club will host its 21st annual Ocala Open. The Ocala Open is a professional golf tournament run by Rick Hendershot, director of the Florida Professional Golf Tour. Each year, a field of 144 professional golfers competes for a chance to win the first-place prize of $17,000.
We have had many great players come to Candler Hills to compete in this prestigious event. PGA Tour player Ted Potter Jr. won back-to-back championships in 2010 and 2011. Current PGA Tour player Eric Cole finished T2 in 2011, and Dan McCarthy, currently playing on the Korn Ferry Tour, won back-to-back Opens in 2015 and 2016.
Mickey DeMorat is this year’s defending champion. Can he become the fourth player to successfully defend his title?
For a true first-class experience, spectators can visit the VIP tent adjacent to the 18th green. This beautiful viewing area allows fans to relax under a tent while watching these talented golfers compete for the Ocala Open championship. Tickets for this luxurious seating area are available for purchase in the Candler Hills Golf Shop, with a portion of the ticket proceeds benefiting local charities.
The most important part of the Ocala Open is the charity Pro-Am, which is annually the biggest fundraiser in Ocala. With the support of local vendors and residents, the event raised $90,000 for charity last year, presenting Interfaith Emergency Services and Empath Hospice of Marion County with $45,000 checks each. To date, the Ocala Open has donated over $1.183 million to local charities. This event has not only become a tradition at On Top of the World but also a staple of our community.
Interested in participating in the Pro-Am to help support these great organizations? This year’s Pro-Am will be played on Tuesday, March 24, with Monday, March 23, added if more than 32 teams register. The entry deadline is Monday, March 9, and the limit is 64 teams. If you would like more information, please visit ocalaopen.com or contact Director of Golf Matt Hibbs at 352- 854-2765.
To orchestrate an event of this stature, you must have exceptional employees, and that’s something we certainly have at On Top of the World. Every year, our employees put in countless hours to ensure the event’s success. Andy Jorgensen and his maintenance staff do a wonderful job preparing the course. Players rave about how well-maintained the Candler Hills Golf Course is, particularly the greens. We can’t forget the 30 volunteers who graciously donate their time to ensure the players have an enjoyable experience. Thank you to all for your continued support of this charitable event. Candler Hills Golf Club is proud to host the Ocala Open each year. After more than two decades, the tournament has become one of the best professional golf events in Ocala and all across Florida. Please take time out of your busy schedule to come watch these players compete for this year’s Ocala Open title.
