Bartow Golf Course to Host 59th Consecutive Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa Classic

Top State Amateur Tournament to Benefit Polk County Youth Villas

(Bartow, FL) – The 59th annual Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa Classic will be contested again at Bartow Golf Course on May 28-30. The popular three-day charity tournament also includes a practice round on May 27.  A field of 120 golfers is expected to participate, including a number of Florida’s top men’s amateurs. Tiger Godwin from Bartow, the 2021 Florida Amateur Public Links champion, is looking to win his sixth Youth Villa Classic title. The golf event is run in conjunction with the Polk County Sheriff’s office and the City of Bartow. 

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa Classic is a major fundraiser to support the operation of the Youth Villa, which currently serves as a scholarship campus for young men and women graduating from the traditional residential program of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

The facility in Bartow’s Peace River Park provides a safe and stable location for the youth attending a college or trade school with the adult supervision needed for these students to stay focused and thrive. Proceeds generated from the golf event have helped build, furnish and maintain the five cottages, plus provide administration and activity buildings, a chapel, a barn, sports courts and boat dock. 

“It’s truly an honor and a pleasure to be part of this long lasting event of 59 years,” said Tami Waring, Bartow Golf Course’s Manager. “The Villa Classic is the largest tournament we host here, and the dedicated effort of many people helps bring the event together. It’s truly awesome witnessing how this tournament continues to unite a community for the sake of a great cause!”

Former winners of the Youth Villa Classic who went on to play on the PGA TOUR include Andy Bean (1973) and Bob Murphy (1964 and 1965). Fred Ridley, current chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, also won the tournament in 1972 and 1974.

For more information about this year’s tournament and to register to play in the 2022 Youth Villa Classic, please visit the website at www.bartowvillaclassic.com or call Wayne Witczak at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches 800-765-3797.