City tournament returns with shorter format, wider appeal
The 51st edition of the Columbia City Championships will take place Aug. 1 and 2, bringing together the area's top amateur golfers for a two-day, 36-hole test played at two private clubs in the region. Organizers say the shorter format aims to attract more participants while keeping the event competitive and welcoming to younger players.
For decades the tournament length has changed to match players' interests and schedules. Championship co-director Steve Humphreys recounted the competition's evolution, noting that organizers trimmed the number of holes over the years to make the event more appealing.
"The tournament for years was was 54. And in fact, the very first tournament was 72,"
In recent years the event has settled on a 36-hole format spread across two private country clubs. The winners will emerge from one of four divisions: the A championship, the A mid-amateur, the senior and the super senior divisions. Historically, between 60 and 80 competitors have entered the tournament, making it a marquee stop on Columbia's amateur golf calendar.
Local development and junior opportunities
Organizers say rotating play among three area country clubs not only gives private-club members a familiar stage, it also opens doors for public-course players to experience higher-end facilities at reduced rates. That rotation, coupled with the tournament’s shortened format, has been framed as a way to bolster amateur and junior golf in Columbia.
Kyle Kovar, last year’s mid-amateur champion, pointed to the event’s role in keeping local players connected and challenged as they move through high school and into college programs.
"Growing up everybody kind of knew about the city [championships]. A lot of people play it all the time growing up. And so, you know, being able to say that you can compete with all the best golfers from all the different clubs around town is is definitely something worthwhile."
Organizers encourage junior participation and say the championships provide an important competitive stepping stone for high school athletes aiming for collegiate golf. Players with a 12 handicap or better are eligible to register through the tournament website. Sponsorships, including support from Hyundai, help fund prizes and other player benefits.
Quick facts
- Dates: Aug. 1–2
- Format: 36 holes across two private clubs
- Divisions: Championship, Mid-amateur, Senior, Super senior
- Eligibility: 12 handicap or better
- Typical field size: 60–80 players
| Division | Notes |
|---|---|
| A Championship | Top flight of the event |
| A Mid-amateur | Includes previous local champions such as 2025 winner Kyle Kovar |
| Senior | Age-based competition |
| Super Senior | Oldest age bracket |
As Columbia’s amateur golf scene continues to adapt, the city championships remain a fixture that connects generations of players — from juniors testing themselves against older competitors to former high school standouts who return to measure their game against longtime rivals. For many local golfers, the tournament is as much about community and continuity as it is about the trophy.
