The Brevard County Girls Golf Championship returns on March 15 at Cocoa Ridge Golf Course in Cocoa, bringing together the region's top high school teams and individual players. The event, hosted by the Brevard County School Board, features 12 teams from schools across the county including West Orange Trail, Satellite, and Palm Bay High Schools. The tournament will determine the 2024 county champion and qualify teams for the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs.
The competition will take place on the par-72 course, with players competing in a single-round format. Last year's winner, West Orange Trail's Emma Carter, who shot a 78 to claim first place, is expected to return this season. Other top contenders include Satellite High's Mia Gonzalez and Palm Bay's Olivia Ramirez, both of whom finished in the top five in 2023. Coaches from participating schools have emphasized the importance of the tournament in preparing students for regional and state-level competition.
The event is open to the public, with admission fees set at $10 for adults and $5 for students. Proceeds will fund equipment upgrades for local high school golf programs. The tournament begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start, followed by a awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Local officials have praised the event for promoting youth sports and community engagement in the area.
The championship has grown in popularity over the past decade, with participation increasing by 40% since 2015. This year's tournament includes a new junior division for students in grades 9-10, expanding opportunities for younger athletes. The course has been modified to accommodate the additional players, with new tee boxes and signage added to the 18th hole. The event is expected to draw over 300 spectators, with food trucks and family-friendly activities available on-site.