J.C. Deacon Claims Third Florida Open Title in Thrilling Playoff Victory!

Naples, Florida, USA - In a thrilling conclusion to the Florida Open, J.C. Deacon, head golf coach at the University of Florida, clinched his third title in an exciting playoff against fellow competitor Joseph Pagdin on July 20, 2025. Both players showcased their talent, finishing regulation play tied at 16-under 200, with Allin Crouch not far behind at 15-under.

This year’s tournament, held at Quail West Country Club in Naples, saw Deacon displaying remarkable skill and composure. After starting the day two shots behind overnight leader Brad Schneider, he made a strong start with an eagle on the first hole. Despite a stumble with a double bogey on the 8th, Deacon quickly regained his momentum, birdieing four of the next seven holes, including a crucial birdie on the final hole to take the clubhouse lead. He finished with a final round of 67, one shot better than Pagdin’s 68.

A Battle of Skill

The playoff was the cherry on top of an already riveting tournament. Deacon and Pagdin entered the playoff after Pagdin successfully made a seven-foot putt on the 18th to level the scores. In the playoff, Deacon hit his tee shot into the fairway while Pagdin found trouble in a penalty area. Deacon was then able to secure his victory by making a birdie putt from 17 feet. With this victory, Deacon became the first player to win three Florida Open titles since Don Bisplinghoff in 1962, a feat that adds to his impressive legacy within the golf community.

In total, Deacon earned $20,000 for his victory, a nice payday for the coach who has not only been successful on the course but has also seen significant achievements as the head of the Florida Gators. The team recently enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 season, where they claimed the SEC Championship and reached the semifinals of the NCAA Championship, boasting five wins. These successes have solidified Deacon’s reputation as a premier coach in collegiate golf.

Continuing Success for the Gators

Deacon has now entered his 12th season as head coach of the Florida Gators and has already amassed 32 tournament titles in his tenure. Under his guidance, Florida has secured three consecutive seasons with four or more wins, including notable championships in both the SEC and NCAA contexts. He was even named Southeast Region Coach of the Year following the Gators‘ stellar run last season. His coaching approach, coupled with his personal playing experiences, has been pivotal in shaping the success of this program.

The current success is a testament to Deacon’s passion and dedication to the sport. His background spans competitive golf where he played professionally on the Gateway Tour and in Canada, not to mention his experiences as an assistant coach before taking the helm at Florida in 2014. As a former U.S. Amateur semifinalist, Deacon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that has undoubtedly guided many young golfers to success.

This Florida Open victory serves as a shining moment, illustrating not only Deacon’s enduring talent but also the bright future ahead for the Gators golf program under his experienced leadership. As he prepares for the new season, one can’t help but wonder: what will he achieve next?

For more insights and details about this event, Jacksonville.com reports that Deacon’s performance was a display of skill in pressure-packed moments, and the Florida State Golf Association adds further context to the competitive spirit displayed throughout the tournament here. To learn more about J.C. Deacon’s coaching journey and achievements, you can explore his profile at the Florida Gators website.