News Summary
The 29th Annual Terra Cotta Invitational begins this weekend at Naples National Golf Club, featuring 75 top junior and collegiate golfers. Among the talented players is local star Noah Kent, who aims to use the event as a stepping stone to The Masters. With participants from various states and countries, the tournament promises thrilling competition and community spirit, giving fans free access to witness the next generation of golf talent.
The 29th Annual Terra Cotta Invitational Kicks Off with Excitement
Golf enthusiasts, get ready for a fabulous weekend as the 29th Annual Terra Cotta Invitational launches this Friday at the picturesque Naples National Golf Club. This year promises to be truly special, as 75 of the world’s top junior, mid-amateur, and collegiate golfers tee off in this thrilling 54-hole stroke play tournament. Running from Friday to Sunday, this event is expected to draw a crowd of passionate fans, eager to witness golf’s rising stars in action.
Top Talent on Display
The competition is fierce this year, with 39 out of the top 50 golfers from the Rolex American Junior Golf Association rankings set to participate. Among the talented participants, 32 players have earned the prestigious title of Rolex Junior All-Americans. Defending champion Luke Colton is keen to return to glory as he aims to become the first player to repeat since Caleb Surratt’s consecutive wins in 2021 and 2022. All eyes will also be on Miles Russell, the AJGA’s No. 1 ranked golfer who recently clinched victory at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in March.
Special Announcement for Noah Kent
This year’s event isn’t just about the competition; it also features a special twist with Noah Kent, a local legend and two-time Southwest Florida Boys Golfer of the Year. This 20-year old golfer from the University of Florida, who once dazzled fans at Gulf Coast High School, will be using the Terra Cotta Invitational as a stepping stone to The Masters. Having secured his spot at Augusta by finishing as a runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Championship last August, Kent has quite the busy week ahead.
He plans to fly to Augusta on Sunday night right after the tournament’s conclusion for his practice round at the iconic Augusta National Course. This year’s invitation to the Terra Cotta marks a remarkable milestone, as it’s the first time a player is competing here just before heading to the Masters—a feat that highlights the prestige of both events.
A Challenging Course Awaiting Players
Kent contemplated skipping the Terra Cotta to prepare exclusively for the Masters, but ultimately decided to participate, thanks to a little convincing from his advisory team. Coming from a recent PGA Tour debut at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, which ended with him not making the cut, Kent sees the speed of the greens at Naples National as perfect practice for the legendary Augusta setup, often described as “heaven on earth” by those who play there.
More Local Stars in the Mix
Joining Kent are four other local golfers—mid-amateurs Brian Bassett, Andy Fogarty, Josh Janeczko, and junior Spencer Ives. Their presence adds a local flair to the competition, making the tournament even more exciting for nearby golf fans who are eager to cheer on homegrown talent.
A Global Event Draws Interest
With participants hailing from 21 different states and 10 countries, the Terra Cotta Invitational continues to rank among the top 15 events in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Tournament director Denny Glass faced a tough task in selecting only a handful of competitors, turning down nearly 400 applications from aspiring golfers eager to showcase their skills.
Free Access and a Worthy Cause
Golf fans can enjoy all the action free of charge, making it accessible for everyone. Additionally, a portion of the tournament’s proceeds will be donated to a local Naples-area children’s charity, injecting a sense of community spirit into the prestigious event.
Mark Your Calendars
Action kicks off bright and early, with the first tee times starting at 7:30 a.m. over at Hole 1. Groups of golfers will be teeing off throughout the morning, ensuring non-stop excitement for spectators all weekend long. Be sure to grab your gear, and don’t miss out on witnessing future stars of golf as they aim for victory!
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Additional Resources
- Naples News: Terra Cotta Invitational
- Naples News: Masters Tournament 2025
- ESPN SWFL: Noah Kent Prepares for Masters
- Naples News: Masters Tournament 2025 Tickets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
