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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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

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