Monday, February 21, 2023
The Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club played its usual difficult self at the 13th annual US Professional & Amateur Hickory Golf Championships. South Carolina’s Mark Harman broke through after several attempts 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 goes out to Leitha Bowles of Temple Terrace Preservation whose help is vital to making the event come off without a hitch.
Florida Hickory Golfers 