Division I
A Century of Competition Begins at the New Year’s Invitational
The New Year’s Invitational returns January 2–4 for its 100th playing at St. Petersburg Country Club, opening the amateur golf calendar with one of the sport’s longest running championships.
The Invitational will be contested over 54 holes of stroke play with no cut and a field limited to 92 players. A separate crystal award will be presented to the low Mid Amateur, defined as players aged 25 and older. The tournament champion will earn an exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour’s Lecom Suncoast Classic in April 2026.
Tournament Schedule
- January 1: Registration and practice round
- January 2: Round One
- January 3: Round Two
- January 4: Final round and awards presentation
St. Petersburg Country Club
Originally designed by Herbert Strong and opened in 1924, St. Petersburg Country Club enters the centennial edition following a full renovation completed in 2024. The update added new tees, rebuilt bunkers, and modern turf surfaces while preserving the original routing. The course now stretches beyond 7,000 yards and features TifEagle Bermuda greens, placing a premium on controlled ball flight and precise approach play.
Championship History
First played in 1927, the New Year’s Invitational transitioned to stroke play in 1956 and later adopted its current 54 hole format. Past champions include Bob Goalby, Brandt Snedeker, J.B. Holmes, Gary Koch, Sam Horsfield, Buddy Alexander, and Peter Uihlein. More than 30 former participants have advanced to PGA Tour careers.
Recent Winners
In 2025, Auburn’s Cayden Pope won at 13 under par with rounds of 68, 68, and 67. Cooper Smith matched that total in 2024, continuing a recent run of collegiate champions.
What’s at Stake
With a renovated championship course and a Korn Ferry Tour exemption on the line, the New Year’s Invitational remains a meaningful early season test. The centennial edition adds historical weight to a week that has long identified players ready to take the next step.
CGN coverage will continue as the final field is set, with full reporting throughout championship week from St. Petersburg.
