Golf can be a relaxing pastime and a great way to stay fit. Men, women and kids of all ages and abilities can pick up a club, give the ball a whack and chase it across the course.

But when you put in the time and effort to become your best, the only way to know you’re really good is to enter a competition and see your name at the top of the leader board.

It might seem scary to some, but competing in an amateur tournament can be a lot of fun. The warm weather and abundant sunshine in Florida make golfing a year-round activity, so it’s not hard to find a tournament that would fit your vacation plans. And since just about all amateur tournaments are charity events, your play in one will benefit a worthwhile cause.

Competitions can be open to anyone, but some are organized by gender and age. So, if you are a senior, you don’t have to worry about being stranded in a sand trap while the remaining members of your foursome, three incredible college kids, breeze on by. Since Florida attracts lots of retirees, it’s not surprising that numerous senior tournaments are held there each year.

One big bonus about entering a tournament is the chance to play on a great golf course. Florida vacationers, unless they’re staying at a resort that has its own course or one that has an agreement with a nearby private course that extends privileges to guests, are usually limited to play on public courses, which can be very crowded and have ridiculously long waits before tee time. Entering a tournament can give the golfer an opportunity to compete on some of the most beautiful fairways and meticulously manicured greens in the state.

If you’re a serious golfer who thrives on competition, check out the amateur tournaments, including some celebrity classics, scheduled for the area you’ll be visiting on your next Florida vacation. Here are links to some upcoming events that might bring out the Tiger Woods in you:
Daytona Beach - April 15, 2007
http://activerain.com/blogsview/55026/2-7-Mickey-Jones

Miami Lakes (South Florida) - May 3, 2007 http://www.spca-sofla.org/golf2005/default.htm

Orlando area - May 5, 2007 http://www.mustardseedfla.org/MSGolf2007.pdf

Bradenton/Sarasota - June 9, 2007 http://eteamz.active.com/sarasotaheatcummins/index.cfm?

Tampa - July 14, 2007 - http://www.tampabayclubsport.com/Events-typical.htm