Jacksonville, Florida, February 1, 2026
The Liberty Flames men’s golf team is ready to kick off the spring season at the 2026 Sea Best Invitational in Jacksonville, Florida. Taking place at the Atlantic Beach Country Club, this tournament will feature a competitive lineup of 15 teams, including top-ranked programs such as the University of Florida and Texas A&M. With a strong roster and years of experience at this event, the Flames aim to leverage past performances and make their mark in the competition. Community support for local athletics is encouraged as the team embarks on this exciting challenge.
Liberty Flames Men’s Golf Team Ready for Spring Season in Jacksonville
The Liberty Flames men’s golf team is kicking off the spring season at the 2026 Sea Best Invitational, showcasing local talent and golf in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville, Florida – The Liberty Flames men’s golf team is prepared to launch the spring portion of their 2025-26 season at the 2026 Sea Best Invitational, set to take place on Monday, February 2, 2026. This year’s tournament will be hosted at the Atlantic Beach Country Club, a par 71 course spanning 6,868 yards. The switch in venue marks a fresh chapter for the event, which has traditionally been held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, illustrating the dynamism of local sports organizations committed to enhancing community engagement through premier sporting events.
The hosting of the Sea Best Invitational by Jacksonville University underscores the embrace of diverse opportunities in our local sporting calendar. Events like these not only bolster local pride but also highlight the capability of community organizers in bringing top-tier collegiate competitions to our region. As we dive into this season, it is worth noting how less bureaucratic red tape could further streamline the process for hosting such significant events, ultimately benefiting our local economy and sports culture.
Event Details
- Location: Atlantic Beach Country Club, Atlantic Beach, Florida
- Course Details: Par 71, 6,868 yards
- Start Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
- Format: 36 holes on the first day, 18 holes on the second day
- Participating Teams: 15 teams, including nine ranked in the top 100 nationally
Featured Teams
This year, the tournament will feature a competitive lineup of 15 teams, including several from our own Sunshine State. Notably, the University of Florida holds a prestigious No. 5 national ranking, followed by Texas A&M (No. 34) and Florida State (No. 39). Other teams worth mentioning include FGCU (No. 51), UNCW (No. 64), FAU (No. 81), Liberty (No. 84), Kennesaw State (No. 92), and North Alabama (No. 97). This diversity of competitors enhances the local atmosphere and brings a wealth of talent to the course.
Liberty Flames’ Lineup
The Liberty Flames boast an impressive roster with several players showing strong stroke averages, setting the stage for competitive play:
- Michael Lugiano: Stroke average of 70.58
- Josh Ryan: Stroke average of 70.67
- Ike Joy: Stroke average of 72.83
- Andrew Gregory: Stroke average of 73.50
- Evan Barbin: Stroke average of 75.67
- Individual: Brett Reid (N/A)
Recent Performance Insights
The Liberty Flames have shown commendable consistency at the Sea Best Invitational over the years, participating in 14 of the last 16 seasons and securing 12 top-five finishes. In the most recent event in 2024, Liberty finished 11th out of 15 teams, with a cumulative score of 39-over par 879 (293-294-292). Josh Ryan lead the charge for the Flames, finishing tied for 21st place with a score of 6-over par 216 (72-73-71). As they gear up for this year’s tournament, the team aims to leverage past experiences to elevate their performance.
Anticipating the Season Ahead
As the Liberty Flames look forward to the upcoming Sea Best Invitational, their goal is clear: to harness insights from previous tournaments and begin the spring season on a strong note. Competing against top-ranked teams offers a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and set the tone for their remaining matches. Events like these foster community engagement, drawing attention from residents and fans of collegiate sports alike.
Key Takeaways
In summary, the Liberty Flames are set to make their mark at the 2026 Sea Best Invitational. This not only highlights the importance of collegiate athletics in Jacksonville but also illustrates how community events can be advanced through local leadership and support. Attending such events encourages civic pride while promoting a vibrant sports culture.
We encourage residents to support local athletics and engage in community development by attending this fantastic event and cheering on our local teams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the 2026 Sea Best Invitational begin?
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Where is the Sea Best Invitational being held this year?
The event will take place at the Atlantic Beach Country Club in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
Which teams are participating in the 2026 Sea Best Invitational?
The tournament features 15 teams, including nine ranked in the top 100 nationally: Florida (No. 5), Texas A&M (No. 34), Florida State (No. 39), FGCU (No. 51), UNCW (No. 64), FAU (No. 81), Liberty (No. 84), Kennesaw State (No. 92), and North Alabama (No. 97).
What is Liberty Flames’ recent performance at the Sea Best Invitational?
In the 2024 tournament, Liberty finished 11th out of 15 teams, posting a 39-over par 879 (293-294-292). Josh Ryan led the team with a tied 21st place finish, recording a 6-over par 216 (72-73-71).
Who are the key players for Liberty Flames in the upcoming tournament?
The key players include Michael Lugiano (stroke average of 70.58), Josh Ryan (70.67), Ike Joy (72.83), Andrew Gregory (73.50), and Evan Barbin (75.67).
Key Features of the 2026 Sea Best Invitational
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlantic Beach Country Club, Atlantic Beach, Florida |
| Course Details | Par 71, 6,868 yards |
| Start Date | Monday, February 2, 2026 |
| Format | 36 holes on the first day, 18 holes on the second day |
| Participating Teams | 15 teams, including nine ranked in the top 100 nationally: Florida (No. 5), Texas A&M (No. 34), Florida State (No. 39), FGCU (No. 51), UNCW (No. 64), FAU (No. 81), Liberty (No. 84), Kennesaw State (No. 92), and North Alabama (No. 97) |
| Liberty Flames’ Lineup | Michael Lugiano (stroke average of 70.58), Josh Ryan (70.67), Ike Joy (72.83), Andrew Gregory (73.50), Evan Barbin (75.67) |
| Recent Performance | In the 2024 tournament, Liberty finished 11th out of 15 teams, posting a 39-over par 879 (293-294-292). Josh Ryan led the team with a tied 21st place finish, recording a 6-over par 216 (72-73-71). |
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