GSGA News

Ocean Forest Golf Club To Host 2026 Georgia Amateur!

Written by Corey Bodden, GSGA | Jul 9, 2024 6:00:00 PM


SEA ISLAND - We are thrilled to announce Ocean Forest Golf Club in Sea Island will host the 105th Georgia Amateur Championship, June 11-14, 2026!

This will mark the second time the best amateur players in the Peach State will battle for the Robert H. Martin Trophy at Ocean Forest. The club most recently hosted in 1998 with Bill Roberts of Pine Mountain taking the crown.

"This iconic event promises to showcase the best of amateur golf in Georgia against the breathtaking backdrop of Ocean Forest's renowned course," Jeff Fages, GSGA's Senior Director of Rules & Competitions, said. "At GSGA, we take immense pride in our commitment to excellence, and we are delighted to work with the exceptional staff at Ocean Forest Golf Club.

"Their dedication to the game and standards of hospitality will undoubtedly contribute to creating an unforgettable experience for all 144 players who make the final field. We eagerly anticipate working together with Ocean Forest Golf Club to ensure that the 105th Georgia Amateur Championship exceeds expectations and is a cherished highlight of the players."

Even in its relatively short existence, Ocean Forest has a deep history in hosting the best amateur players in the country.

Ocean Forest, which opened in 1995, became the youngest course to be selected to host the Walker Cup in 2001 with Georgia Golf Hall of Famer Danny Yates serving as captain. 

The Jones Cup Invitational was played for the first time that same year and the 54-hole competition is now considered one of the top amateur competitions in the world.

Winners include major champions Patrick Reed and Justin Thomas, along with current young stars Davis Thompson, Ludvig Aberg and Akshay Bhatia, among others. The champion of the Georgia Amateur receives an exemption into the Jones Cup each year.

"It will be one of the best championships they'll ever play in in regards to the State Amateur," John Wade, Director of Golf at Ocean Forest, said. "What I hope they take away from here is them feeling as if they were members here for the week. 

"It's going to be great to have Georgia state residents here playing arguably one of the hardest courses in the state. But also one that will truly crown an appropriate champion at the end of the week."

Along with an exemption into the Jones Cup, the winner of the Georgia Amateur is exempt into that year's U.S. Amateur, while the other top five finishers are exempt through local qualifying. 

With this announcement, sites for the next four Georgia Amateurs have been selected and six of the next nine:

  • 2025 - Atlanta Country Club, Marietta

  • 2026 - Ocean Forest Golf Club, Sea Island

  • 2027 - Ansley Golf Club - Settindown Creek, Roswell

  • 2028 - Sea Island Golf Club, St. Simons Island

  • 2031 - Cherokee Town and Country Club, Atlanta

  • 2033 - Rivermont Golf Club, Johns Creek

The 103rd Georgia Amateur Championship gets underway Thursday (July 11) at Augusta Country Club. Click here to follow along with all the action.

For more on Ocean Forest Golf Club, please click here