Former Dubai resident Toby Bishop, representing Wales, recently won the Qualifying Round of the Florida Open at Hawkstone Country Club in the US with a three under par 68. This victory qualifies him to compete in the 78th Florida Open Championship scheduled from 19th – 21st July, 2024 at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club & Country Club of Ocala, Florida. The competition consisted of 15 qualifying sites, with Toby securing one of the two available spots from the Qualifying Round.
Toby, who has recently transferred from the Florida Gators to play on the Lipscomb Men’s Golf Team, exhibited exceptional skill during the Qualifying Round. He shot four birdies and two bogeys on the front nine, and two birdies and one bogey on the back nine, finishing with a 68 over the par 71, 6,449 yards course. His performance earned him a place in the prestigious Florida Open with a course setup between 6900 – 7400 yards and a total of 156 players.
The Florida Open is a 54-hole event open to both professionals and amateurs, with a purse of $125,000 for the Pros. The field will be split between two golf courses, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club and the Country Club of Ocala. The top 60 players and ties after 36 holes will advance to the final round over the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. The winner of the 2024 Florida Open will receive an exemption to the next five championships, while the top 10 and ties will secure invites for next year’s event.
Toby expressed his gratitude for his time at the University of Florida and the experience of being part of a National Championship-winning team. After much deliberation with his family, coaches, and agent, he made the decision to transfer to the Lipscomb Men’s Golf Team for personal development and to pursue his career aspirations. The Florida Open presents a significant opportunity for Toby to showcase his talent and compete against a field of top professionals and amateurs, providing a platform to further his growth in the sport.
In addition to competing in the Florida Open, the top five and tied amateur finishers will also receive an invitation to the following year’s Florida Amateur Championship. This opportunity allows young talents like Toby to gain valuable exposure and experience at a competitive level. With his impressive performance in the Qualifying Round, Toby has set the stage for a promising future in the world of golf, and his participation in the Florida Open is a testament to his dedication, skill, and determination to succeed in the sport. Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate Toby’s performance in the upcoming championship and look forward to witnessing his continued success on the golf course.
