Did you know that Juniors can enter the South Beach International Amateur? See below for player eligibility requirements & more.
What is the South Beach International Amateur?
The 2023 South Beach International Amateur is in the works, welcoming the top amateur golfers in the world to compete for the title and trophy. This years competition is being held from December 19-22, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. The South Beach International Amateur is an “open” competition, and it is encouraged that all top amateurs apply. The competition is host to male golfers between the ages of 14 and 60.
Last years SBIA field was one of the strongest in amateur golf, featuring 79 international players in the field of 210, representing 26 countries. The 2023 tournament will again be limited to 210 of the world’s best amateurs. It is expected that this year’s field will be ranked #5-#6 for the eight consecutive year in the worldwide rankings (WAGR). Last year’s field featured 172 of the world’s “Top 1,000” players. In 2022, 85 players made the cut at +1 after round 2. In the end, Luke Clanton won the SBIA after posting a 17 under total to tie for 1st place, then went on to beat 14-year-old phenom Henry Guam on the second playoff hole.
How do I apply?
Applications are now being being accepted. For those of you wishing to apply who are not exempt, you may send your resume to Co-Founder and Executive Director, Jeff Hunt, through the SBIA website. We highly encourage all juniors who want a chance to compete to share their JGH player profile link directly. For those who receive exemption, and conditional exemption invitations, pay close attention to the exemption deadline dates. Once an exemption date is passed, players are put in the player pool and will be judged solely by their WAGR ranking as of the November 15th tournament closing date.
The entry deadline for The South Beach International Amateur is November 15th, 2023. For more information on entry, please visit the SBIA website.
What are the conditions of player eligibility and exemptions?
As has always been the case at the SBIA, all players who made the cut in 2022 will be given conditional exemptions. Currently the list of players who made the cut and highly ranked participants who missed the cut features 206 “Top 1,000” players. With over 85% of previous ranked players coming back to play the SBIA annually, it is obvious that spots in the field will go quickly.
EXEMPTIONS
- Top 300 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (Deadline- November 10th, 2023)*
- Top 600 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (Deadline- September 15th, 2023)*
- SBIA 2022 players who made the cut (Deadline- September 8th, 2023)*
- Top 16 players of the 2023 US and British Amateurs
- Top ranked amateur in any country making top 20 in the World Amateur
- Top 60 Collegiate Players (2023)
- Top 20 ranked worldwide Junior golfers
- Hurricane Tour National Amateur Champion
- Hurricane Junior Tour National Amateur Champion
- * Exemptions Expire
ELIGIBILITY
- Players with the recommendation of their country’s Federation or Association or prospective collegiate coach
- All Division I, II, III and NAIA players
- Top 150 ranked worldwide Junior golfers
- All qualifiers of the 2023 USGA Junior, Amateur and Mid Amateur Championships
- All Qualifiers of the 2023 British Amateur Championship
- All amateur Section qualifiers for the 2023 US Open
- All Participants in the Division I & II National Championships
- FCWT Junior Golf Tour Champion
- World Series of Junior Golf Champion
Am I good enough to earn a spot as a Junior Golfer?
Last years SBIA Champion, Luke Clanton, had just begun his freshman year at Florida State University when he entered the 2022 SBIA. He took the victory over Junior golfer, Henry Guan, who was only 14 at the time. Clanton and Guan were battling closely for the majority of the tournament. Both players had finished on 266 (-17) in regulation play. This was after a dramatic conclusion to the 72nd hole at Miami Beach where Clanton holed a 15 footer for par before Guan birdied from 8 feet to take us into extra time. Clanton produced a great final round 66 (-5) which included six birdies to force the play off with Guan. Guan had an impressive performance, but ultimately fell short of the title.
The field is open to men ages 14 to 60, so the competition is pretty vast. Past winners have ranged in age, however, the most recent winners have all been within the traditional college age (20-25). The competition between Clanton and Guan in the 2022 tournament goes to show that age is just a number. Guan was incredibly close to a win as a 14 year old competing against college-age golfers (and older). He sets a great example for future juniors who aren’t sure if they have what it takes to compete in high ranked competitions.
If you fall into any of those eligibility categories, why not give it your best shot!
Source: SBIA
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