“We are pleased to announce that players in both the men’s and women’s divisions will be guaranteed three competitive rounds,” said Tournament Director Ben Derauf. “In previous years, the cut came after 36 holes, but this year we will make the cut after 54 holes to enhance the overall tournament experience for all competitors.”

This year’s Dixie Amateur will get underway Dec. 13-15 with the Senior Men’s Division. All three rounds of the no-cut tournament will be played at Heron Bay Golf Club.

The Men’s Division takes place Dec. 18-21 under the new format. Players will play one round each at Heron Bay, the Oaks Course at Palm-Aire Country Club, and the West Course at Woodlands Country Club. After the 54-hole cut to low 72 and ties, the final round will be played at Heron Bay.

The Women’s Division will be played at Heron Bay from Dec. 31-Jan. 3, with the Senior Women playing the first three days in a 54-hole no-cut event.

The Dixie Amateur was first played in 1924. Early winners included Frank Stafaci, Earl Christianson, Frank Perpich, Al Besselink, Bill Hyndman III and future Masters champion Doug Ford. More recently, Hal Sutton, Ryuji Imada, Brandt Snedeker, Andy Bean, Bruce Fleisher, Lanny Wadkins, Nolan Henke, Len Mattiace, Jesper Parnevik, and Peter Uihlein took home the trophy. The women's division has produced great champions such as Angela Park, Vicky Hurst, Meaghan Francella, and Lexi Thompson.

The Dixie Amateur was acquired in 2011 by ClubLink, which also owns Heron Bay, Palm-Aire, and Woodlands Country Club. ClubLink has enhanced not only the playing conditions on all courses but also is committed to ensuring that the competitors’ experience is second to none.