The 2026 Long Beach Golf Festival opened today under clear Southern California skies at Recreation Park, marking the start of another spectacular season of championship golf—and the beginning of a historic, milestone year for the city’s deep golfing legacy.
Setting the Tone at Rec Park
The Senior Amateur Net Championship teed off this morning, officially launching the summer-long festival. Bringing together some of Long Beach’s most experienced and passionate competitors, the early pairings immediately set a high standard for the weeks to come.
Defending champion Darren Ernst and Super Senior standout Ron Schwandt were among the early groups out on the fairways. Their steady swings and confident play perfectly embodied the enduring spirit of the Festival: fierce competition, lifelong camaraderie, and a deep love for the game.
100 Years of Championship Heritage
This year’s Festival carries immense historical weight. The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Long Beach Men’s City Challenge, which was first contested back in 1926. It was that foundational tournament that helped establish Long Beach as one of the premier public golf cities in America—a reputation built on a century of competitive drama played across the fairways of Rec Park, Skylinks, and Eldorado Park.
However, the city's golfing roots run even deeper:
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1910: Long Beach’s very first course, Virginia Country Club, opens its gates.
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The Transition: That property later evolved into Recreation Park, the exact historic grounds hosting today’s opening-round action.
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The Legends: Over the decades, these municipal gems have hosted icons ranging from Walter Hagen (who captured the inaugural Long Beach Open in 1923) to modern PGA Tour greats like Fred Couples, Mark O’Meara, and Xander Schauffele.
Long Beach hasn't just witnessed golf history; it has actively shaped generations of players who have gone on to conquer the global stage.
What's Next: Summer-Long Coverage
As the Festival unfolds over the coming months, our team at Green Side News will be on the ground to bring you comprehensive multi-platform coverage from every venue and every major championship fight:
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Senior Amateur Net Championship
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Men’s City Challenge & Women’s City Challenge
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Junior Crosby Memorial
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The Long Beach Open
Catch the Opening Day Action
Our team was behind the lens this morning capturing the first tee shots of this centennial year. Check out our Opening Day Highlights package below to see the sights, sounds, and local community energy that make this festival an absolute cornerstone of California sports culture.
Follow Green Side News all summer long as we celebrate 100 years of championship tradition in Long Beach.
