Pinecrest's 50-Year Golf Tradition Continues

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As the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia wraps up its annual event, residents of Highlands County, Florida are reminded that their own local golf tradition at Pinecrest Golf Club predates the famous Augusta National by over 50 years. Pinecrest's community-focused tournament has been a fixture in the region since the 1970s, long before the Masters became a global phenomenon.

Why it matters

While the Masters attracts worldwide attention, Pinecrest's local tournament represents a more grassroots, community-driven golfing tradition that has endured for generations in Highlands County. As larger sporting events and corporate interests have come to dominate the modern golf landscape, Pinecrest's tournament stands out as an example of how smaller, locally-rooted golf events can maintain their relevance and importance.

The details

Pinecrest Golf Club first opened in the early 1970s and has hosted an annual golf tournament for the local community ever since. Unlike the exclusive, invitation-only Masters, Pinecrest's tournament is open to all residents of Highlands County, creating a more inclusive and accessible golfing experience. The tournament features a variety of skill levels, from seasoned players to casual golfers, and raises funds for local charities and youth programs.

• Pinecrest Golf Club opened in the early 1970s.
• Pinecrest has hosted an annual golf tournament since the club's founding.
• The 2026 Pinecrest golf tournament took place this past weekend.