About

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The Municipal Amateur Championship was founded in 1981 by Jim Fyke. Modeled after the City Open, it was his vision to create an amateur golf championship that was truly open to all competitors in Nashville and the surrounding areas. During the 20-plus years that he has served as the Tournament Chairman, the Championship has continued to gain prominence and is now considered one of the best amateur events in Tennessee. In April 2003, he retired as the Director of Metro Parks after 38 years of service and in 2005 the Championship was renamed the James H. Fyke Municipal Amateur Championship in honor of his dedication. From the outset, the Championship was an overwhelming success, boasting a field of 300 participants and a waiting list in its inaugural year. In 1992, the Women’s Championship was added, followed by the Men’s Senior Championship in 2009. Both of these events have included more than 100 participants each year.

For the past 35 years, Middle Tennessee’s amateur golfers have enjoyed some of the nation’s finest city-owned and operated golf courses as they compete for the Championship trophy. Throughout the years, this tournament has created a proud legacy for Nashville, and annually gives back to the local golfing community. Each year $2,500 is donated to the James H. Fyke Scholarship Foundation, established within the Tennessee Golf Foundation. This foundation provides scholarships for children to attend golf camp at The Golf House Tennessee each summer. Over the years, the tournament has also provided funds to enhance the overall experience at Nashville’s municipal golf courses and aids in keeping the courses in excellent playing condition. Because of the support and commitment from all players throughout the years, the tournament has built a legacy that will continue in the future.

Sadly, Jim passed away this month. Read more about his life and work with Nashville municipal golf courses in The Tennessean