The original tournament was organized by a group of Polish-American sports enthusiasts associated with the Riverdale Tennis Club of New York and the Polish American Golf Association (PAGA). The origins of the tournament trace back to 1998, when Arthur Bobko proposed the idea and secured the support of several Florida sports aficionados.

The first Polonia Open tournament took place in 2001 in Sarasota, drawing 74 players from the United States, Poland, Canada, England, and Germany. The event showcased a high level of sports competition, with the tennis final becoming a standout highlight of the season. The organizers also introduced a golf tournament, which attracted 18 participants. This initiative was met with great enthusiasm and support from golfers. As a result, the golf tournament became a permanent feature of the Polonia Open and, by 2003, attained equal status with the tennis competition. That year, over 60 golfers participated, including many prominent Polish-American and Polish national players.

In 2004, after relocating to Florida’s east coast, the golf tournament achieved a milestone, reaching the symbolic number of 120 players earlier than anticipated. This number became a benchmark for future events, with the organizers opting to maintain it. By 2005, the tournament’s popularity led to players signing up on a waiting list.