The 51st Palm Beach Kennel Club County Amateur Championship is evolving to match its soaring popularity and prestige. As the premier amateur golf event in Palm Beach County, the tournament continues to attract top talent from across South Florida and beyond, building on a rich legacy that dates back to 1976.

This year's updates reflect the incredible growth in interest: more players than ever are eager to test their skills against the best amateurs in the region. To accommodate this surge while maintaining the event's elite status, we've expanded the qualification process and introduced thoughtful changes to the field composition.

Expanded Qualifying Opportunities

We're excited to announce a reduced championship field size of 84 players for 2026. This strategic cap ensures an intensely competitive environment, delivering the highest level of play, dramatic finishes, and an unforgettable experience for competitors, spectators, and the golf community alike. A tighter field elevates the tournament's integrity as the true signature championship for Palm Beach County amateur golf.

To give more deserving players a fair shot at earning a spot, we've added more qualifying sites and opportunities. This broader qualification pathway opens doors for emerging talent, rising stars, and dedicated local golfers to compete for one of the most coveted titles in regional amateur golf.

New Exemption Categories for 2026

Recognizing excellence and rewarding consistent performance, we've introduced expanded exemption categories. Players who qualify under these exemptions are eligible to bypass local qualifying (provided they meet all entry and eligibility requirements), allowing them to advance directly to the championship proper.

Here are the 2026 exemption categories:

• Past Champions of the Palm Beach County Amateur (last 20 years)
• Top 30 & Ties from the 2025 Palm Beach County Amateur
• Open Winners of individual PBCGA Tournaments in 2025
• Qualifiers for the 2025 PBCGA Tour Championship
• Top 5 from the 2025 PBCGA Senior Amateur Championship
• Semi-Finalists from the 2025 PBCGA Mid-Amateur Championship
• Past Champions from the Nicklaus Junior Championship (last 3 years)
• Top 5 from the 2025 Nicklaus Junior Championship
• Top 3 on the 2025 SFPGA Junior Tour Points List
• Qualifiers for any 2025 USGA Championships
• Special Exemptions at the PBCGA's discretion for its signature tournament

These exemptions honor top performers from recent seasons, key junior achievements, and national-level success, ensuring the strongest possible lineup takes the tee.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Palm Beach Kennel Club County Amateur is far more than a local tournament—it's a launchpad and proving ground for elite amateur talent. Past winners and participants include:

• Major champion Mark Calcavecchia
• PGA Tour members Steve Hart and Gary Nicklaus
• Walker Cup standout Eoghan O’Connell (who once halved a match with Phil Mickelson to help Great Britain & Ireland secure victory)
• A teenage Daniel Berger (now a 4x PGA TOUR winner), who finished runner-up to Nicklaus in 2008 at just 15 years old
• Brooks Koepka, the former World No. 1 and 5-time major champion (U.S. Opens 2017 & 2018; PGA Championships 2018, 2019 & 2023), who competed in the event early in his career

These names underscore the tournament's reputation for attracting—and producing—world-class players.

Sponsored by the Palm Beach Kennel Club, the 51st edition promises to deliver thrilling competition as South Florida's top amateurs battle for the title of County Champion.

Stay tuned for the full 2026 schedule, qualifying sites, entry details, and registration opening soon via the Palm Beach Golf Association website (pbcga.org) and BlueGolf platform.

Whether you're a past champion securing your spot, a qualifier grinding for your breakthrough, or a fan ready to witness the next chapter in this storied event—get ready. The stage is set for another unforgettable Palm Beach County Amateur.

Join the conversation, share your excitement, and let's build even more momentum for amateur golf in Palm Beach County!