In July, myself and our editor had the opportunity to attend media day for the 2022 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur being held at Fiddlesticks Country Club on the Long Mean Course September 17-22, 2022, in Fort Myers, Florida. I was doubly interested in the opportunity to attend, not only to learn more about the U.S. Women’s Mid-Am, but I’ve always heard such amazing things about Fiddlesticks. One of the premier private clubs in South Florida, it’s not easy to come by invitation to play the golf course. From my house in the Orlando area, the trip should have taken just a little over 3 hours, but we hit some gnarly traffic and ended up arriving late.
As we arrived at Fiddlesticks, Laura Nochta from the USGA was there to greet us, and after catching us up, she quickly got us onto a golf cart and over to the first tee. The Long Mean Course, what kind of name is that? I’ve always thought golf was hard enough, but what an intimidating name! The course is designed by a friend of mine, Ron Garl. I live on the 6th Tee Box of a Ron Garl design, so I’m more familiar with Ron’s work than any other architect.
Playing several of Ron’s designs, I can say that the Long Mean Course is my favorite. It’s a classic Florida golf design with a Las Vegas flare. Opened in 2005, the Long Mean Course was cutting edge for a residential golf course. Waterfalls, a great layout highlighted by well-groomed fairways and greens, make the Long Mean Course difficult but enjoyable.
Who Can Play
After the round, we gathered with Laura Nochta to get all the nitty gritty on the 2022 U.S. Women’s Mid-Am. First, she explained that the championship is open to female amateur golfers who reached their 25th birthday by the tournament’s first day and have a Handicap Index not exceeding 9.4.
Tournament Format
The field starts with 132 players; following 36-holes of stroke play on September 17th and 18th, the field is cut to the top 64 players for match play. Five 18-hole rounds of match play will determine the finalist, who will square off in an 18-hole championship match on Thursday, September 22nd.
Tournament Schedule
Practice Rounds will take place on September 15th and 16th
| Sept. 17 (Saturday): First round, stroke play |
| Sept. 18 (Sunday): Second round, stroke play |
| Sept. 19 (Monday): Round of 64, match play |
| Sept. 20 (Tuesday): Round of 32 and Round of 16, match play |
| Sept. 21 (Wednesday): Quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, match play |
| Sept. 22 (Thursday): 18-hole championship final, match play |
A Golden Opportunity
Admission is free. That’s right. I said FREE! Tickets are not required for this championship, and spectators are encouraged to attend. In previous years only a few hundred spectators have shown up for the final round, and we’re hoping to help improve upon previous records. This event is going to be amazing. Some of the best female players in the world will be playing on the best golf courses in Florida. Take this opportunity to visit South Florida, play fantastic golf courses in the area, and then watch the 2022 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur at Fiddlesticks Country Club. This might be your only chance to attend a USGA Championship without ropes and full access to the golf course and players. For more information, please visit here.