FOR RELEASE: Saturday, December 27, 2025
JACKSONVILLE, FL — Saturday, Dec. 20th was a beautiful day for all 144 golfers at the 8th JAGA Family Championship hosted by Jax Beach Golf Club, but even more so for the father-daughter team of Jeff and Greta Golden who were the overall champions.
With equal waves of golfers teeing off at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Jeff and nine-year-old Greta Golden fired an 8-under-par gross score of 50 over the modified Jax Beach GC layout to capture top honors.
“Greta and I really enjoy playing in this tournament,” the elder Golden said. “I might have had the best putting round of my life.”
Finishing runner-up were Keith and Allen Bratton.
Tama and K.C. Caldabaugh of The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach were the gross winners in Couples’ play with a score of 54.
Jeff Golden (left), Dennis Walters, Gussie and Greta Golden.
Couples’ champions Tama and K.C. Caldabaugh.
Note: The overall winner results have been modified from what was originally announced. The Goldens were accidentally computer-placed into the Couples flight instead of the Family flight.
As a means of completing two waves of 18 holes on the second shortest day of the year and accommodating players ranging in age from 8 to 80, the 18 holes were set up to play to a unique par of 58. There were 14 par 3s and four par 4s.
Between the end of morning play and the start of the afternoon wave World Golf Hall of Fame and PGA Hall of Fame member Dennis Walters entertained an audience of more than 100 with his world-famous trick-shot artistry. As always, he was joined by his faithful companion, fellow star, and beloved dog, Gussie.
Often referred to as “the most inspiring golfer of all time,” Walters has given more than 3,500 exhibitions from the seat of a golf cart since breaking his back in a golf cart accident in 1974 in his home state of New Jersey, shattering his dream of playing on the PGA TOUR. He gave a fabulous show that not only demonstrated his talent and love of golf but communicated a message of never giving up on one’s dreams.
In addition to the golf, there was a Best Holiday Attire competition with Joe and Hilary Watson sharing the honors with Dr. Lakshmi Gopel and children Leela and Krishna Clark.
Ten current/former JAGA scholarship award recipients were on hand to spend the day with their many JAGA friends and Family Championship participants.
Note: A gallery of photos appears below featuring Dennis Walters, Best Holiday Attire, the JAGA scholars, and more.
The following are the leading morning and afternoon finishers:
Morning Play
Couples Gross Winners: Tama & K.C. Caldabaugh (54)
Couples Net Winners: Kristen & Adam Schupak (53)
Family Gross
1st – Keith & Austin Bratton (50)
2nd – Stephen & Nancy Cox (51)
3rd – Allison & Addy Vogt (51)
Family Net
1st – Allan & Sonny MacCurrach (48)
2nd – Bruce & Jamie Kanehl (48)
3rd – John & Jack Driscoll (49)
Afternoon Play
Couples Gross
1st – Jane & Brad Rollinson (56)
2nd – Susan and Jay Waite (59)
3rd – Rick & Kelly Root (59)
Couples Net
1st – Jeff & Kelly Johnstone (51)
2nd – Anita & Jim Comisky (52)
Family Gross
1st – Jeff & Greta Golden (50)
2nd – Evan & Jeremy Raynor (52)
3rd – Sutinat & Sarina Tangyingyong (52)
Family Net
1st – Andy & Andy Kokoska (48)
2nd – Jeff & Sam Heinemann (48)
3rd – Chris & Rory Wandell (49)
Hole-in- One: Megan Grant – Hole No. 7 with a 7-iron from 125 yards.
NOTES:
- Teams were only eligible for one prize.
- Ties were broken by scorecard playoff.
Click here to view all scores: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11251566725868559084
A photo gallery of the day follows:
The event was conducted by the Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA) for the eighth year in a row and once again chaired by Duke Butler III of TPC Sawgrass and family members, wife Sheila, son Duke IV and daughter Sadie. Butler III was reelected president of JAGA for 2026 at its recent Dec. 9th Annual Meeting at Stillwater Golf and Country Club.
The Family Championship has the largest field of any tournament on JAGA’s schedule and arguably is its most popular event. It joined the JAGA schedule with its new format in 2018, but its roots lie in two former JAGA events, the Father-Son and Couples tournaments. The Family Championship is a re-creation of the two, with the circle of family eligibility connections greatly expanded.
The JAGA Family Championship will return to Jax Beach GC on Saturday, December 19, 2026.
Editor’s Note: Credit photos to “JAGA”.
NEXT UP FOR JAGA IN 2026
- Jan. 17-19 JAGA First Coast Amateur pres. by the City of Jacksonville Deerwood CC
- Feb. 2-3 35th Underwood Cup The Plantation at PVB
- Feb. 11 Celebration of Golf Banquet presented by Circle K Deerwood CC
- March 23 JAGA Spring Four-Ball Stillwater G&CC
- May 3-5 69th JAGA Senior Amateur Championship pres. by Lennar Stillwater G&CC
The complete 2026 JAGA tournament schedule will be announced on Jan. 6th.
Information on all tournaments can be found at www.jaxareagolf.org > “Tournaments” tab.
ABOUT JAGA
Established in 1954, JAGA celebrates its 73rd year in 2026. It is a not-for-profit corporation of approximately 42 golf facilities located in Northeast Florida. JAGA’s mission is to promote golf, community and goodwill through tournaments and related events and activities. It conducts or supports 11 tournaments, including six championship events and five others that feature team formats. JAGA has a charitable arm that manages a scholarship program which currently provides college funding for 62 area students. Since 1974, the program has generated approximately $2 million in financial aid to approximately 400 students.
Anyone interested in receiving JAGA’s monthly “Northeast Florida Golf News” and announcements about JAGA and its tournaments for free via email may do so by clicking here or going to the JAGA homepage (www.jaxareagolf.org) and the box that reads “Subscribe to JAGA Email”.
-JAGA-
Contact: Jeff Adams |