This event held over a 1914 Florida gem has every potential to become a highlight on the national hickory “tour.” Hogan, Snead, Sarazen, and Hagen, have walked its fairways and now modern hickory golfers are following in their footsteps. The Winter Park Golf Course was rebuilt in 2016 with the idea of revitalizing its role as a community treasure. And it’s working. Word has it that attendance at the course is up some threefold compared to before the renovation.
Bill Geisler, former SoHG president, golf teacher and grandfather of two, is one of the reasons. Together with Rich Grula, Natalie Wells, and Marci Likens, they have helped to promote the course, not just to hickory golfers, but to all who love the historic track for the genuine value it brings to the central Florida golf scene.
The event marked the first round in the season of the Florida Hickory Golfers. But it attracted some few from across the U.S. and Canada, many of whom were making their annual migration to the Sunshine State. This was a natural top on the route. As well, the annual PGA Show in Orlando was to begin just days after completion of the tournament; a stroke of scheduling genius.
Mike Stevens, teaching pro, hickory champion and leader of the FHG, was the victim of the only sour note of the weekend, as an errant drive on number nine sent a Titelist No. 1 crashing through the rear window of his SUV. It was not by a hickory golfer, by the way. Well, Bill did warn people not to park near what he calls “the bombing range” adjacent to the 9th fairway.
It was a fine time for hickory golf on a lovely course surrounded by old brick streets, historic homes and shady oaks. Our hosts provided a warm reception in the old clubhouse with videos of historic golfers set to 1920s “flapper” style music. A modest swap show was held, too, one that included the exceptional replica clubs crafted by the one and only Tad Moore, who was a welcome part of the weekend.
Congratulations to winners Tim Anderson (Open), Richard Boggs (Net); and Natalie Wells (Open), and Marci Likens (Net).
Complete results can be found at www.winterparkhickoryclassic.com.
Natalie Wells, left, won the Women’s Open Division; Marci Likens was the Women’s Net Champion.
Tim Anderson, left, was the Men’s Open Champion; Richard Boggs was the Net winner.
“The Winter Park Golf Course, or WP9 as the locals now call it, is one of the most unique models for municipal golf in America. A round of golf at the WP9 will take you across streets, around a cemetery, and right up to the front porch of some of the most charming homes in Florida. The course has always been memorable for its setting, but a recent renovation has resulted in a world class golf experience that every golfer should visit. I spent a day at the Winter Park Golf Course and my experience was a revelation.” — Jay Revell, Medium Magazine
2020 Winter Park Hickory Classic Final Results
Gross Net
Tim Anderson 109 112 1st Place Gross
Wally Armstrong W/D
Ben Bernacki 139 136
Richard Boggs 125 110 1st Place Net and Career Round
Craig Coy 137 125
Jim Davis 137 113 3rd Place Net
David Dunigan 136 127
Rick Eldridge W/D
Gunnar Eriksson 145 127
Erik Fretland 114 110 2nd Place Gross
Frank Flood 122 119
Rich Grula 137 125
Matt Hardisty 142 136
JJ Jackson 147 135
Marci Likens 141 123 1st Place Net Ladies
Tom McCrary 127 127
Ross McLean 127 118
Tad Moore 143 125
Will Peterson W/D
Brian Schuman 136 139
David Shultz 136 118
Mike Stevens 121 124
Mike Tracy 133 128
David Webster 121 112 2nd Place Net
Natalie Wells 130 103 1st Place Gross Ladies
Jim Wilhelm 120 117 3rd Place Gross