The annual 'Florida Swing' begins this week on the PGA Tour. And, as the top professional stars in the game prepare to take their swings at The Honda Classic at PGA National, WGC Cadillac Championship at Doral and beyond, the Florida Swing on the amateur circuit is also getting underway.

Home to some of the country's most golf- friendly weather throughout the year, Florida's elite schedule really kicks off in the winter. The early New Year's Invitational, International Four-Ball and Harder Hall Women's Invitational showcase the best that men, senior and women amateur golf has to offer.

In March, the calendar continues in the months of March and April with even more opportunities for the nation's top players to earn vital rankings points. Here's a rundown of the events to keep an eye on in the 2014 amateur golf 'Florida Swing':

Florida Azalea Amateur: Held March 14-16 at Paltka Golf Club, the Florida Azalea is one of the winter's most underrated events. It began as a two- man event back in 1958 but has since blossomed into a Golfweek/amateurgolf.com Points Rankings event. All told, the field includes 180 players scross six flights and has come to include many rising junior and collegiate stars. Previous winners of the event include Peter Uihlein and Masters champion Tommy Aaron. Additionally, a solid Senior Division event runs March 7-9.

Society of Seniors Ed Tutwiler Four- Ball: The event goes to honor one of the greatest amateurs to play the game. It's one of the Society of Seniors' premier event and is a two-man team format over the course of 54 holes at Hawk's NEst Golf CLub in Vero Beach, Fla.

Terra Cotta Invitational: The former match- play event converted to a 54-hole stroke-play tournament with a loaded national field in 2006. Played at Naples National April 4-6, recent winners include Nathan Kimsey, Peter Uihlein, Emiliano Grillo, Justin Thomas and Bud Cauley.

George L. Coleman Invitational: Considered one of the top events annually and held on the prestigious Donald Ross-designed Seminole Golf Club. Defending champion is Mike McCoy, the 2013 U.S. Mid- Amateur champion and the field typically includes the nation's top mid-amateurs. Additional Senior Division, is loaded with elite national seniors.

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