It was Florida in February and the weather was as the chamber of commerce ordered it – magnificent. Just right for the 13th annual U.S. Professional Amateur Hickory Golf Championship and the preceding casual hickory golf outings. The weekend is hosted by hickory golf champion and professional golf teacher Mike Stevens.
On Sunday, five teams competed in a shamble format as part of the historic golf weekend celebrating the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club’s 100 years of golf. The four-person shamble resulted in a win for Jim Wilhelm, Blair Heppe, James Chambers and Dan Capaz. Their score of 129 bested the second place team by seven shots. Their names will be affixed to the Spirit of Hickory Trophy that resides in a place of honor in the Mike Stevens household.
On Monday, Feb. 21, the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club played its usual difficult self for the U.S. Professional & Amateur Hickory Golf Championships. South Carolina’s Mark Harman broke through after several attempts in this tournament with a score of 76 to capture the John Shippen Cup, named in honor of America’s first golf pro. Winter Spring’s Eddie Peckels played some amazing golf and won the Oscar Bunn Trophy as top amateur for the second consecutive year with an even par 72. Bill Geisler also of Winter Springs took home the Heritage Trophy with a net 68, edging out Peter Herrington of the Villages by a single shot.
The tournament was originated by Tampa golf professional Mike Stevens, and celebrates the original Florida Open which was held here in 1925 and won by Leo Diegel. Special thanks to Leitha Bowles of Temple Terrace Preservation whose help is vital to making the event come off without a hitch.
