Top Junior Golfers Tee Off at 30th Terra Cotta Invitational

The prestigious amateur tournament returns to Naples National Golf Club this weekend.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:08am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting a golf tournament or match, with sharp, overlapping planes representing the dynamic action of the competition.The Terra Cotta Invitational's prestigious field of junior golf talent will be on full display through a cubist lens, capturing the energy and competition of the event.Marco Island Today

The 30th annual Terra Cotta Invitational, one of the nation's top amateur golf events, is set to tee off this week in Naples, Florida. The 71-player field includes eight of the top 10 junior golfers in the country, 24 Rolex Junior All-Americans, and five members of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team. Two-time defending champion Luke Colton will look to become the first player to win the Terra Cotta three times in a row, while top-ranked junior Miles Russell and several local Naples golfers will also compete in the 54-hole stroke play tournament.

Why it matters

The Terra Cotta Invitational has become a must-play event for elite junior golfers, attracting the nation's top talent to Naples National Golf Club. The tournament's prestige and competitive field make it one of the premier amateur golf events in the country, showcasing the skills of the next generation of golfing stars.

The details

The 30th Terra Cotta Invitational runs from April 16-18 at Naples National Golf Club. The 71-player field includes eight of the top 10 golfers in the Rolex AJGA rankings, 24 Rolex Junior All-Americans, and five members of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team. Two-time defending champion Luke Colton will try to become the first player to win the event three times in a row, while top-ranked junior Miles Russell, a Florida State commit, is also in the field. Five local Naples golfers, including mid-amateur Brian Bassett and University of Florida golfer Noah Kent, will also compete.

  • The 30th Terra Cotta Invitational runs from April 16-18, 2026.
  • The tournament tees off on Thursday, April 16.

The players

Luke Colton

The two-time defending champion of the Terra Cotta Invitational, looking to become the first player to win the event three times in a row.

Miles Russell

The No. 1-ranked junior golfer in the nation and a Florida State commit, making his debut at the Terra Cotta Invitational.

Brian Bassett

A five-time Naples National Golf Club champion competing in the mid-amateur division of the Terra Cotta Invitational.

Noah Kent

A Gulf Coast High graduate and current University of Florida golfer who finished second in last year's U.S. Amateur.

Jack Ryan Donovan

The reigning Southwest Florida Boys Golfer of the Year from Barron Collier High School.

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What they’re saying

“It really is fabulous. It's become a must-play event for the juniors.”

— Denny Glass, Tournament Director

“We're ranked as the 10th best amateur in the U.S., not including collegiate events. That's really quite a compliment.”

— Denny Glass, Tournament Director

What’s next

The 54-hole stroke play tournament will conclude on Saturday, April 18, with the winner being crowned the 2026 Terra Cotta Invitational champion.

The takeaway

The Terra Cotta Invitational has established itself as one of the premier amateur golf events in the country, attracting the nation's top junior talent to Naples each year. The 30th edition of the tournament promises an exciting weekend of high-level competition as the next generation of golfing stars compete for the prestigious title.