Over the years, the tournament has been held at a number of great venues.  First year at Hilton Head; followed by nine years at Greenlefe, FL; two years at Callaway Gardens, GA; two at Palm Coast, FL; four at World Golf Village, St Augustine, FL; one at Amelia Island, FL; three at the Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Capitol Hill course in Prattville, AL; two at the RTJ Grand National course in Opelika, AL; two at Innisbrook, FL; and more recently : 2015-16 at Grand National, Opelika, AL; and 2017-2019 at World Golf Village and the Renaissance World Village Resort in St Augustine. For 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic caused a cancellation at the Grand National at Opelika, Al.  In 2021 and 2022, we returned to the RTJ Courses at Grand National at Opelika, Al.  In 2023 we were at Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL.

The 2024 event will be at Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL. While we sponsor competitive golf amongst the classes for annual bragging rights for winning the Commander’s Trophy, this tournament is all about fun and camaraderie.  It is a chance to see and visit with classmates and friends from other classes.  Your family members are also welcome to attend adding to the diversity of the group.  There is ample opportunity to relax and visit.  We welcome players at every skill level to participate in the event. Having a good time is a requirement.

Do not assume that because you were signed up and paid your registration fee for 2023 that you are automatically signed up for 2024.

The Venue

For the 2024 tournament we remain at:

Mission Inn Resort & Club at Howey-in-the-Hills, FL
Outstanding golf courses, attentive staff, great hotel & resort, beautiful setting, convenient location

There are two championship courses at Mission Inn, one of Florida’s top golf resorts, that provide exceptional challenge and play. The golf experience is truly remarkable from the scenery—hills that roll and pitch, mature pine and magnolia trees that tower, eagles and ospreys that fly overhead. The terrain of this part of Central Florida, originally orange groves, provides up to 85 ft. elevation changes and a peaceful ambiance void of fairway houses and condos.

Mission Inn’s two championship courses have assembled an impressive list of accolades and achievements, having hosted over 20 consecutive years of NCAA Championships, 8 years of Florida State High School Championships, US Open and US Amateur qualifying, FSGA Championships, and many acclaimed junior and college tournaments. El Campeón is honored to be selected by the PGA TOUR as the U.S. qualifying venue for the PGA Latinoamerican and Canadian / Mackenzie Tours. These events will be held each Spring at Mission Inn. Additionally, El Campeón is the ranked #1 course in Florida since 2012 by Golf Channel’s GolfAdvisor. Mission Inn is also a favorite commercial filming location, having hosted several PGA TOUR and Golf Channel specials.

Spend the day challenging one of Florida’s oldest courses, El Campeón known for its steep hills and required shot making skills or play among the rolling hills and sweeping fairways of the Las Colinas Course. Both are quality 18-hole championship courses that have earned their share of accolades from members and resort guests alike. 

After your round, explore the extensive pro shop; relax at Nicker’s (the clubhouse pub and restaurant), or maybe indulge at Spa Marbella . 

The Formats

 The Accommodations 

Hotel Amenities

 The Agenda: 

*Group reservations should be made well in advance for class dinners.  Should a class elect to have their dinner at Mission Inn, please contact Tom Molzahn for information, as the GG contract outlines some requirements.

The Standard Tournament Packages

The standard tournament package for a golfer staying at the hotel covers three nights lodging (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), three rounds of golf, three breakfasts (vouchers will be provided at check in), two banquet dinners, dinner gratuities, resort service fees, and all taxes.  Prizes, goody bag, and other admin costs are made by a separate payment sent to Golfing Grads of USMA, which will be covered later.

There is also a 4-night package that includes the same items plus one additional night and breakfast.

The package for a non-golfer covers the same items less golf.  Also, there will be no prizes, goody bag, or admin costs for this option.

This year again we also have a Commuter Package for folks who do not need a room at the hotel.  The commuter package includes three rounds of golf, two banquet dinners, resort service fees, and all taxes.  It does not include room or breakfasts. Prizes, goody bag, and other admin costs are made by a separate payment sent to Golfing Grads of USMA, which will be covered later.    

There is also a non-golfer Commuter Package that covers the same items less golf. Also, there will be no prizes, goody bag, or admin costs for this option.

You should be aware of a few things about the tournament packages:

● The packages are “all-or-nothing” packages, i.e., you must pay for all items included in the package whether you use them or not.   The resort will not refund any amount for any items or events you did not use or participate in.  For example, if you choose not to go to breakfast, the resort will not refund any of the package fee.  If you miss a round of golf, same answer.  However, if for some reason you have to miss a dinner or round of golf, a substitute can take your place.  If you are substituting for golf, you must advise your Team Captain and GG Golf Coordinator Dennis Helsel, of the substitution ahead of time so appropriate adjustments can be made.

●  A deposit of $200.00 per person is required at the time you make your hotel reservation. You can cancel your reservation at any time up to 72 hours ahead of your check-in time with no penalty.  NOTE – canceling your reservation requires you to contact BOTH the hotel AND the Accommodations Manager and will likely affect the cost for your roommate.  You should consider this if you have to cancel.  You may be subject to room and/or dinner penalties if you cancel after the 72 hour cutoff.

●  We are required to fill the courses for the AM and PM shotgun starts with a minimum of 144 players.  Should we have less than that number the cost for golf may be increased to cover the shortfall.

*NOTE – Prices include taxes, resort fees & meal gratuities but are subject to small changes based on changes in taxes or service charges.

Extra Days and Golf Options

You have the option to stay at the resort an additional night or nights, either before or after the tournament, and you have the option to play additional rounds of golf.  

●       Extra Room Nights.   

Each of these options includes one night accommodation, resort fee, and taxes.  NOTE – Breakfast & Golf are not included in these options.  These options are available for three nights ahead of and three nights after the tournament days.  If you are interested in any other days let us know and we will see if the hotel will accommodate you.

Extra room nights are subject to availability.  For 2024, Golfing Grads was able to secure a room block of ten rooms for Saturday evening.  These rooms are available on a first-come/first-served basis.  It is likely that some early arrivals may not be able to be accommodated. Early arrival people that cannot be accommodated by Mission Inn will need to book themselves elsewhere.  Some options include the Key West Resort which is nearby on Lake Dora or other local hotels.

●       Extra Golf.   

You can, on your own, book tee times on any of the Mission Inn courses by contacting the pro shop at 352.324.3885 .  Identify your group as “Golfing Grads of USMA.”   Tee times are subject to availability and none are blocked out for Golfing Grads.  You can play on the option days of Saturday and Sunday before the tournament starts or Thursday and Friday after the tournament.  You can also opt for a “second round” on the tournament days on one of the courses not being used by GG.