Gasparilla Invitational 2026 Tees Off in Tampa

Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club hosts the 71st edition of this prestigious mid-amateur tournament

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The 71st Gasparilla Invitational golf tournament is underway at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club in Tampa, Florida. This prestigious mid-amateur event features a 54-hole stroke play format with a cut after 36 holes, as well as a separate senior division. The course is known for its tight driving corridors, small greens, and a volatile finishing stretch that can dramatically impact the leaderboard.

Why it matters

The Gasparilla Invitational is one of the top mid-amateur tournaments in the country, attracting a deep field of elite amateur golfers. The event's history is also tied to Tampa's famous Gasparilla tradition, an annual 'pirate invasion' celebration that helps define the city's late-winter calendar. The tournament's scoring profile can swing wildly based on weather conditions, making for an exciting and unpredictable championship.

The details

Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, designed by Donald Ross, features a classic layout with tight driving corridors, small greens, and a challenging finishing stretch. The par-5 18th hole in particular is known to regularly decide playoffs and last-minute leaderboard moves. Recent winning totals have ranged from a record-setting 10-under par to an over-par survival score, depending on the wind conditions.

  • The 71st Gasparilla Invitational is taking place from February 19-21, 2026.
  • The tournament features morning and afternoon shotgun starts on Thursday and Friday, followed by a final round on Saturday with tee times off the 1st and 10th holes.

The players

Scott Turner

The defending champion, Turner posted three rounds in the 60s to win the 2025 Gasparilla Invitational by one shot.

Miles McConnell

The defending senior division champion, McConnell will look to extend his run of success in the event's senior competition.

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What they’re saying

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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