The Steam Room by MidamgolfHQ

February 2025

What we are steaming on this month:

Welcome back to another edition of the newsletter! The true commencement of the season is upon us, with the Gasparilla Invitational fast approaching. It’s almost surreal to think that golf season is in full swing while much of the country—Texas and the South included—remains gripped by freezing temperatures. Yet, here we are.

The 2025 schedule remains largely unchanged, with one significant exception: the George L. Coleman Invitational at Seminole. Seminole Golf Club is set to undergo extensive course work over the next two years, which, as things stand, will put the Coleman on hiatus. We eagerly anticipate its return. Aside from that, all your favorite events are back on the calendar for 2025!

Looking back, 2024 felt like a watershed year for mid-amateur golf. We witnessed mid-ams making their mark in multiple PGA Tour events and major championships, with deep runs in some of the most prestigious amateur tournaments—most notably Bobby Massa’s standout performance at the U.S. Amateur. We also saw the best stars compete at the East-West Matches at Maridoe. The stature of our niche in the golf world continues to rise, and we can’t wait to bring you closer to the action in the months ahead.

February 2025 Major Mid-Am Preview

Up next

Gasparilla Invitational

February 13-15, 2024

Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club

Defending Champion: Charles Fitzsimmons

Let’s talk Gasparilla, shall we? If there were one event to introduce someone to the world of mid-amateur golf, the Gasparilla Invitational would undoubtedly be the perfect choice. Since its inception in 1956, this tournament has stood as a premier amateur golf spectacle. That inaugural year, Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club member Maynard Ramsey claimed victory with an even-par 140, setting the stage for what would become a proving ground for elite amateurs. Over the decades, the event has drawn U.S. Amateur and Mid-Amateur champions, along with future Walker Cup players, cementing its reputation as one of the most prestigious stops on the circuit.

The 2024 edition lived up to its storied history. With the leaders already in the clubhouse, Charles Fitzsimmons found himself needing a birdie on the par-5 18th to force a playoff at 1-over alongside Miles McConnell and Park Ulrich. Rising to the occasion, he delivered under pressure, sinking the crucial birdie to extend the tournament. Fitzsimmons then sealed his triumph with another birdie on the second playoff hole, etching his name into Gasparilla lore

One of the unique parts of the tournament every year is the Monday qualifier. The tournament hosts players not invited directly into the event to come and play 18 holes for a chance to join the field. We happen to really like this concept and think other invitationals should adopt such a model.

Finally, as you know the drinks will be flowing and the social content elite. Back of the Range always has excellent coverage of the event and would advise you give them a follow for the blow by blow details of the week.

Player Profile

Our first player profile of the year features the 2024 Devil’s Elbow winner Mr. Connor Doyal! Connor had a strong 2024 campaign including a quarter final appearance at the U.S Mid-Am and a top 10 finish at the Southeastern Am. Connor will be a player to watch this year!

What’s in the Bag?
Callaway Triple Diamond Paradym with Ventus Black TR 6x
Brnr mini driver with Diamana GT 70tx
915 titleist 5w with tensei white 75x
4i srixon zx7 with KBS tour v 120x
5i and 6i ping blueprint S with x100
P - 7i ping blueprint T with x100
Vokey 50.08 with nippon modus 125x
Vokey 54.14 with nippon modus 125x
Taylormade 60.08 LB with spinner shaft

Favorite courses?
Kiawah Ocean Course and Yeaman’s Hall

Strength of your game?
Wedges and short irons

2025 “Major” Mid-Am Event Schedule

Gasparilla Invitational - February 2025

The Snedeker Memorial - March 2025

The Walter J. Travis Invitational - May 2025

John T. Lupton Memorial - May 2025

USGA 4-Ball - May 2025

The Huddleston Cup - May 2025

Anderson Memorial 4-ball - June 2025

Carlton Woods Invitational - June 2025

George C Thomas Invitational - June 2025

Mid-Am Team Championship - August 2025

The Picard Cup - August 2025

The Valentine Invitational - August 2025

USGA Men’s Mid-Am - September 2025

USGA Women’s Mid-Am - September 2025

Trans-Miss Mid-Master Championship - September 2025

The Crump Cup - September 2025

John R. Williams 4-ball - October 2025

Devils Elbow - November 2025

National Invitational Tournament - November 2025

The Ice Bath

This month, we got a full dose of professional indoor golf, and while expectations were low, TGL delivered a surprisingly entertaining experience. The league’s team format was a major win, adding strategy, hype, and personality that made matches feel more engaging than standard stroke play. Players weren’t just competing—they were fully invested, creating viral moments. It would be cool to see them add an amateur to each team. Could you imagine how nervous they would be! Incredible.

We love to feature our passionate mid-am golf community. If you have a story, achievement, or event you'd like to share, send us a DM on our Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) @midamgolfHQ

Until next month…..