Central Florida Classic

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Central Florida Classic

Central Florida Classic

The Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida Classic returns April 16-17, 2026!

The Central Florida Classic will feature two days of golf and a concert, including Jenene Caramielo’s tribute show “Celebrating Celine,” at The Club at Venetian Bay. The golf events include a Team Scramble on April 16 and the Duke of Edinburgh Cup U.S. Qualifier, for golfers with a USGA handicap index, on April 17. The top two finishers will earn invitations to compete in The Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Finals in England in the fall of 2026.
* Note: You do not have to play golf to attend the concert. It is open to the public.
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April 16, 2026

Location: The Club at Venetian Bay, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

TEAM SCRAMBLE (Golf Event #1)

7–8 a.m. | Registration and breakfast
8:15 a.m.–1 p.m. | 18-hole scramble — Shotgun start, contests, and raffle
1–2:30 p.m. | Lunch, raffle drawing, and awards presentation
The Club at Venetian Bay, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

DOE CUP PRACTICE ROUND

Tee times available after 2pm
$45 for 9 or 18 holes
To register for a practice round, please contact The Golf Shop at 386-424-5775 ext. 1.

The Club at Venetian Bay, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

REGISTRATION FOR DOE CUP QUALIFIER

6-7:30 p.m.
The Club at Venetian Bay, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

CONCERT ON THE GREEN

8:15 p.m. | Jenene Caramielo’s Tribute Show “Celebrating Celine”– Joan L. Kidd MD Fight for Life Concert Series
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April 17, 2026

Location: The Club at Venetian Bay, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH CUP U.S. QUALIFIER (Golf Event #2)

Golfers must have a USGA handicap to participate.

7–8 a.m. | Breakfast

8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. |Net Stableford scoring, individual competition,  and LED leaderboards on course

1–2:30 p.m. | Lunch and announcement of rankings

2:30–4 p.m. | Joan L. Kidd MD Fight for Life Cup Playoff (Golf Event #3) (For 3rd – 12th place finishers, over 5 holes, with a SeaDream Yacht Mediterranean voyage for two as the prize)

4 p.m. | Awards presentation on the 9th green

Tee Box Yardages
  • Men’s (White) 6,049 yards
  • Ladies (Red) 4,876 yards
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The Duke of Edinburgh Cup USA Qualifier GRAND PRIZE

The top two finishers will be invited to play at The Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Finals in England in the fall of 2026.

The invitation includes:

  • Economy airfare and five nights of hotel accommodations
  • Entry into “The Duke of Edinburgh Cup,” a two-day competition:
    • Round one: 18 holes at Wentworth Golf Club followed by lunch
    • Round two: 18 holes at Windlesham Golf Club (to be confirmed) followed by lunch
  • A match at The Royal Household Golf Club at Windsor Castle
  • A gala prize-giving dinner at Windsor Castle with a senior member of the Royal Family in attendance

A guest is welcome to accompany the qualifiers and may share the hotel room; however, functions, golf, meals, and other expenses will be at the guest’s own cost.

Learn more about the Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Finals with a video introduction by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT GCVO.

“The true measure of achievement lies in our ability to give back. I invite you to take a swing at making a positive impact in the lives of children in Central Florida by participating in the Blessings Classic. Together, we can truly drive change.”

— Justin Rose, European & PGA Tour Golfer and Golfing Ambassador, The Duke of Edinburgh Cup

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
BECOME A 2026 SPONSOR
PLAYER INFORMATION PACKET
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
LEARN MORE ABOUT KATE & JUSTIN ROSE
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER

Planning your stay? Lodging Information:

Hampton Inn

214 Flagler Avenue
New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169

Secure your discounted room rates at the Hampton Inn, New Smyrna Beach and enjoy world-class comfort, premium service, and unforgettable experiences 9 miles from The Club at Venetian Bay.

Booking Link:  Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida Hotel Reservation Booking Link

Details:

  • When booking, you will see the average price per night, so if your stay includes one of the weekend nights, the average rate will be $219 + 12.5% tax.
  • April 15 or 16: $169 + 12.5% tax
  • April 17 or 18: $269 + 12.5% tax
  • Parking: $24.00 + 6.5% tax per car, 1 car per room

 

SpringHill Suites

512 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169

Secure your discounted room rates at SpringHill Suites, New Smyrna Beach for a rewarding, relaxing stay 9 miles from The Club at Venetian Bay.

Booking Link: Book your group rate for Blessings in a Backpack

Details:

  • Street view suites with double queens
  • April 16: $199 + 12.5% tax
  • Parking: $20.00 + 6.5% tax per night

 

The Shores Resort & Spa

2637 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, 32118

Secure your discounted room rates at The Shores Resort & Spa and enjoy comfortable accommodations steps from the sand, exceptional dining, and warm coastal hospitality 17 miles from The Club at Venetian Bay.

Booking Link: The Shores Resort Spa – Reservations – Room Availability

Details:

  • Sunset king or double queens
  • Choose a one- or two-night stay
  • April 16 or 17: $179 + 12.5% tax
  • Discounted resort fee: $20.00 + tax, per room per night
  • Discounted overnight self-parking: $15.00 + 6.5% tax, per car per night
  • 20% Discount on INDULGE Spa services (reservations made in advance directly with the hotel)