Florida Hickory Golfers

NOTICE

To keep things running smoothly, we will henceforth post event results on the front page of this site, with the rest of our news items. 

RG – Feb 2018

Royal St Cloud Golf Links, Kissimmee (Sept 17, 2017)

The golf course was in excellent shape and a steady breeze kept thing rather comfortable. Some difficult pin positions made putting and chipping a challenge when it came to getting it in the hole. No problem for Will Peterson however carding a 74 to take gross honors while Dave Dunigan captured the net prize.

FHG would like to welcome new comers Dan Colfax and Mike Corbin to the family. Both enjoyed their first experience with hickories and finished in the money also. 

FHG at Pinecrest GC, Avon Park (August 20, 2017)

A nice cloud cover kept the temperature down but the golf was hot as three eagles were recorded and not the flying kind. Two by Will Peterson who won the day with a splendid 73 and one by new FHG golfer Duke Trombetti of Boca Raton.

New comer David Webster from Orlando (or thereabouts) teamed up with Sarasota’s Steve Collins to take the team title with a +4-quota differential. Another newcomer, Jeremy Moe who recently located to Boca from Arkansas took second gross with 77.

Our traveling troubadours continue to grow a little bit at a time as we are one of the most active hickory groups in the US.

• Will Peterson 73
• Jeremy Moe 77
• Duke Trombetti 78
• Tom McCrary 80
• Mike Stevens 82
• Bill Geisler 86
• David Webster 86
• Bernie Alessandrini 88
• Rich Grula 89
• Jim Drotos 93
• Melvin Blair 94
• Marci Likens 95
• Steve Haigler 95
• Kirby Wilson 96
• Steve Collins 97
• Shawn Pierson 102
• Gary Cole 103
• Rosemary Pabst 108

FHG Results from The Majors & Cocoa Beach (June 24 & 25, 2017)
Turned out to be a great weekend with lots of golf and a rousing dinner party in Historic Downtown Melbourne. First was Saturday at the Majors Golf Club hosted by Earl Hines. New FHG member Randolph Shafer took the honors in a scorecard playoff with Tom McCrary. Both carded fine 78’s. On Sunday, we moved to Cocoa Beach Country Club at the invite of Holly Gregory where Mike Stevens took medal honors with 77. Great way to celebrate the half way point of 2017.

Saturday at the Majors Golf Club

• Randolph Shafer 78
• Tom McCrary 78
• Mike Stevens 82
• Bryan Bruce 84
• Shawn Pierson 87
• Earl Hines 89
• Bob Ziegler 90
• Mike Hobson 91
• Bill Zeigler 91
• Scott Bowles 92
• Steve Collins 93
• Marci Likens 94
• Ed Shruba 101
• Rosemary Pabst 109

Sunday @ Cocoa Beach

• Mike Stevens 77
• Tom McCrary 79
• Steve Powell 83
• Tim Timulty 87
• Shawn Pierson 88
• Marci Likens 91
• Earl Hines 91
• Bob Ziegler 91
• Scott Bowles 93
• Barry Washburn 100
• Holly Gregory 102
• Bill Zeigler 108
• Rosemary Pabst 117

Ki Unlocks Winning Performance for U.S. Pro Hickory Championship

Doing her best imitation of Joyce Wethered, Orlando’s Ki Shui Liao played some inspired golf to secure the John Shippen Trophy at the 2017 United States Professional Hickory Golf Championship, held on February 20, in Temple Terrace, FL. Playing in a mixed division with both men and women, Liao’s 75 was four shots clear of Tampa’s Jeff Leonard.

Liao’s score was the best turned in by a female professional in the seven-year history of the event. It is also the third best winning score all time – Andrew Marshall shot a sizzling 70 in 2016; and the score of 74 has been matched three times, twice by Paolo Quirici and once by Eddie Peckels.

This year’s Ladies Championship goes to Jennifer Cully of the Apollo Beach Golf Club. Jenn has participated in all but one tournament and has won the ladies crown twice previously.

The Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club opened in 1922 with a course laid out by noted architect Tom Bendelow.  As it has since then, the course proved a stern test for hickory golf clubs.

Professional Division Results:

• Ki Shui Liao, 75, $1,200
• Will Peterson (A), 76, $750GC
• Jeff Leonard, 79, $950
• Eddie Peckels, 81, $500
• Keith Wightman 82 $350
• Mike Stevens, 82, $350
• Rich Lively, 85, $200
• Richard Bullock, 86, $125
• Brian Giordano, 87, $100
• Tom McCrary, 88, $75
• Gregor Jamieson, 89, $50
• Jim Cocchi, 89, $50
• Jim Giordano, 90
• Hank Dettlaff, 92
• Jennifer Cully, 92, $200
• Earl Hines, 93
• Alice Brown, 98, $100
• Joshua Hiller (A),98
• Carole Clarke, 100

On the amateur side of things, Winter Spring’s Bill Geisler dethroned two-time champion Will Peterson of Orlando by one shot, 75 to 76. Geisler’s name will be affixed to the Oscar Bunn Trophy that is on permanent display in the Temple Terrace clubhouse. In the Heritage division Jim Wilhelm tied with Larry Denney and in a hotly contested coin flip Mr. Wilhelm made the right call, just as the New England Patriots did in the 2017 Super Bowl.

• Bill Geisler 75
• *Will Peterson, 76,
• Larry Denney 80
• Tom Mish 82
• Jim Wilhelm 83
• Ross Hays 84
• Bruce Del Guidice 88
• Dan Howell 89
• Max Castro 89
• Daniel Norstedt 93
• Dave Dunigan 95
• Dan Capaz 96
• Scott Bowles 100
• Steve Haigler 100
• Jim Drotos 103
• Bob Boss 104
• Will Jacoby 119

*Will Peterson played in both the Professional and Amateur divisions by playing from the pro tees.

In the Mike Stevens Challenge, which preceded the above events, the format was a team shamble where the team selects the best drive and then everyone plays their own ball in. Best two scores of the team are recorded. Congratulations to Earl Hines, Bob Zeigler and Jim Chambers who burned it up with a 9-under score of 135.

Teams and Scores

• Earl Hines, Bob Zeigler, Jim Chambers – 135
• Rosemary Pabst, Mike Stevens, Mike Tracy – 139
• Joshua Hiller, Steve Haigler, Dave Jarrett – 145
• Greg Jordan, Scott Bowles, Bob Boss – 161
• Will Jacoby, Bob Ubbing, HK Edgerton – 162

Florida Hickory Golfers Results from Dubsdread GC (Jan 27. 2017)
Spectacular weather greeted the Florida Hickory Golfers yesterday in Orlando. We would like to thank our guests from around the globe who came out to participate with us. It was truly a day of fellowship and camaraderie. Nice to have a few ladies with us too.

• Mike Stevens 79
• Bill Geisler 80
• Rich Lively 81
• Tom McCrary 82
• Brian Schuman 84
• Brian Giordano 84
• Bernie Alessandrini 85
• Jim Giordano 86
• Frank Flood 91
• Marci Likens 92
• Ed Ronco 92
• Jason Dolman 92
• Scott Bowles 93
• Jim Drotos 94
• Bob Warner 94
• Sean Kelly 98
• Earl Hines 98
• Bob Ziegler 100
• Kevin Mendick 101
• Bob Boss 102
• Dennis Olson 105
• Sharon Johnson 107
• Pat Roque 110

Florida Hickory Golfers Championship Results in Mount Dora

Excellent weather conditions greeted the Florida Hickory Golfers in the Annual Championship at the Mount Dora Golf Club. In spite of losing their water pump for most of the summer the course was in good shape and although slow, the greens were thick from the winter overseed.

• Will Peterson 76 (below left)
• Richard Bullock 76
• Bill Geisler 78
• Bernie Alessandrini 80
• Mike Stevens 81
• Tom McCrary 81
• Mike Shiff 84
• James Chambers 86 (below right)
• Bob Zeigler 87
• Shawn Pierson 89
• Dan Capaz 89
• Earl Hines 90
• Marci Likens 91
• Jim Drotos 93
• Scott Bowles 93
• Bob Mora 93
• Steve Haigler 97
• Chris Jeffords 97
• Bob Boss 98
• Bill Zeigler 108
• Gregg Jordan 110
• Rosemary Pabst 119

Will Peterson

James Chambers

Florida Hickory Golfers Results – Winter Park GC – Sunday, November 20, 2016

As P.G. Wodehouse once said, “it was a day that all of nature yelled fore.” Perfect weather on a fantastically renovated course that played much like a links in Scotland. Will Peterson took low gross honors with a subpar 68 and new hickory golfer Chris Byrd carded a net score of 62. I hear his Callaway moderns are headed for the scrap heap. Welcome to him and new comers James Ryer, Wally Armstrong and Marci Likens.

• Will Peterson – 68
• Bill Geisler – 74
• Mike Stevens – 76
• Chris Byrd – 77
• James Ryer – 80
• Bernie Alessandrini -81
• Wally Armstrong – 82
• Rich Grula – 84
• Scott Bowles – 85
• Shawn Pierson – 87
• Marci Likens – 87
• Jim Drotos – 88
• Steve Haigler – 97
• Mike Tracy – 98
• Rosemary Pabst – 100

BARTOW GOLF CLUB – Oct 30, 2016

Bartow GC is one of the Florida Historic Golf Courses and it looks to be in excellent shape!  In 1919, Tampa engineer Harry Knight, was awarded the contract to build Bartow’s golf course on land that had been a dairy farm.  Charles Howe was selected as Bartow’s first golf professional.  In 1925, the citizens of Bartow approved a bond of $50,000 for the purchase of the holdings of the Bartow Golf Club and 100 acres adjoining the club, on which to construct an additional 9-holes. That same year, an exhibition golf match was held on the course that included the reigning U.S. Open champion Cyril Walker, who was wintering in Winter Haven. The new 18-hole golf course was officially opened on the morning of December 4, 1926, when Bartow’s city manager struck his tee shot nearly 200 yards off the first tee.

The weather was fantastic for our day at Bartow Golf Club. The small elevated greens made it a tough go for most of us, but Richard Bullock was able to figure it out with a fine 75. At one point he made four birdies in a row on the outward nine. Although on very flat and non-descript land, Bartow has some interesting holes and the $20 price tag is pleasing to the wallet. Highly recommended as a hickory destination.

• Richard Bullock – 75
• Bernie Alessandrini – 84
• Mike Stevens – 84
• Tom McCrary – 84
• Bryan Bruce – 88
• Mike Tracy – 93
• Earl Hines – 95
• Scott Bowles – 95
• Shawn Pierson – 95
• Rich Grula – 98
• Steve Collins – 98
• Steve Haigler – 98
• Rosemary Pabst – 110
• Mark McCall – 114

WEDGWOOD GOLF CLUB (Lakeland – Sunday, August 21)

Some fine golf at Wedgwood with Will Peterson of Orlando edging out Brandon’s Tom McCrary by a shot. the course was opened in 1931, but was later redesigned under the skillful hand of Ron Garl. There are several interesting holes which allow several options for golfers of all skill levels. Very enjoyable course for hickory golf. Welcome to newcomers Bob Aronowitz and Gwen Shea who traveled all the way from Hobe Sound for a taste of the hickory game.

MANGROVE BAY GOLF CLUB (St Petersburg – SUNDAY, JULY 24)

Mangrove was built in 1977 and has been listed by Golf Digest as one of the top 50 public courses in the country.  Despite an expectation for afternoon Florida thunderstorms to wipe out our back nine,  it out to be a pleasant day as we managed to finish before the afternoon storms rolled in.  We need did play the last hole as an lightsome to make sure we beat the clouds, but in fact, the real rain didn’t show up until we were driving home!

The course was in great shape although a bit soggy in places due to all the summer showers. Orlando’s Will Peterson took the day with steady play recording a 75. Steve Collins and Mike Stevens took the blind draw team honors with plus 13.

RIO – PINAR (Orlando – JUNE 19, 2016)

(Sunday, June 26, 2016)  After a brief shower, the FHG golfer’s hit the links on a hot and humid afternoon. In spite of all the water, the course drained well and there was little evidence of the rainfall. Congratulations to Bryan Bruce on a fine round of 75 taking the medal honors. We would also like to welcome two new golfers to the group – Bob Zeigler and Mike Thompson who aquited themselves nicely in their FHG debut.

Sara Bay Country Club (Sunday, May 1, 2016)

Just a perfect day for golf at Sara Bay Country Club, a Donald Ross design that’s one of Florida’s hidden gems. The greens as usual proved most difficult and challenging as three putts mounted for each foursome. Guest Matt Dodds from The Vermont Hickory Association commented that he judges Ross courses by the number of times he goes back and forth across the greens. He said this was an especially Ross day. – MS

Results

• Tom McCrary (78)
• Scott McAlister (80)
• Bryan Bruce (82)
• Bill Geisler (82)
• Richard Bullock (83)
• Mike Stevens (84)
• Dave Dunigan (85)
• Mike Hobson (88)
• Mike Tracy (89)
• Rich Grula (92)
• Earl Hines (95)
• Steve Haigler (98)
• Matt Dodds (98)
• Shawn Pierson (99)
• Scott Bowles (102)
• Steve Collins (102)
• Kirby Wilson (104)
• Bob Boss (106)
• Rosemary Pabst (110)

Sunday, March 20 – Bobby Jones Golf Complex, Sarasota – British Course

We celebrated Mr. Jones’ birthday yesterday at the famed golfers hang out in Sarasota. Weather was perfect for golf this time of year although the gusty winds were a bit of a bother (though very traditional!). Results are below.

• Tom McCrary 74
• Bill Geisler 76
• Mike Stevens 76
• Richard Bullock 80
• Bryan Bruce 80
• Rich Grula 86
• Mike Tracy 87
• Steve Collins 88
• Gary Cole 93
• Earl Hines 97
• Steve Haigler 98
• Dave Greenwood 100

Mt Dora Country Club (Saturday 12/19/2015) 

It was a clear crisp day as the Florida Hickory Golfers took to the links at Mount Dora Golf Club. The municipal layout was built by returning GIs in 1945. A lot of elevation changes and tiny greens make for a challenging course.

In the scratch portion of the competition, Mike Stevens (below left) bested Bryan Bruce by taking the third handicap hole after an 18 hole score card match ended in a tie. On the net side, Rich Grula (below right) blew away the competition with a 62 to take the title.

Mike Stevens (low gross)

Rich Grula (low net)

The day was part of the Florida Hickory Golfers year end celebration in Mount Dora with a weekend stay at the historic Lakeside Inn which dates back to 1883. A great time was had by all and hopefully we can do it again next year.

Merry Christmas to all and look forward to more hickory fun in 2016.

Results:

• Mike Stevens – 79 (scorecard playoff winner)
• Bryan Bruce – 79
• Tom McCary – 81
• Will Peterson – 82
• Rich Grula – 83 (low net winner)
• Dave Duigan – 84
• Bill Geisler – 85
• Mike Hobson – 89
• Scott Bowles – 90
• Rob Stutts – 100
• Rosemary Pabst – 107
• Gregg Jordan – 110

St Petersburg Country Club (Saturday 11/7/2015) 

Hot and sunny day at St Pete Country Club. The abundance of rain over the summer certainly was evident as the grass was thick and plentiful through the green. There was no running it on to the greens on this occasion a staple in hickory golf.

Results:

Richard Bullock – 78 (plus 7)
Mike Stevens – 79 (plus 1)
Mike Tracy – 88 (minus 3)
Steve Collins – 92 (plus 4)
Scott Bowles – 95 (minus 3)
Dave Greenwood – 97 (plus 2)
Steve Haigler – 98 (plus 4)
Bob Boss -106 (even)
Rosemary Pabst – 124 (minus 2)

Lake Nona, Friday 9/18

Big thanks to Gregor Jamieson for inviting us out to play at Lake Nona. Although a bit soggy from all the rain we have had lately it was in excellent shape. With very little roll the course played longer than usual requiring a lot of long iron and fairway wood approaches. An added treat was seeing Graeme McDowell warming up on the putting green as we were getting ready to tee off. Long hitting Bryan the Bruce carried the day with an 82 while the team of Scott Bowles and Dave Dunigan won the blind draw.

Results:

Bryan Bruce 82
Mike Stevens 84
Rich Lively 89
Dave Dunigan 91
Mike Tracy 93
Scott Bowles 95
Rich Grula 97
Steve Haigler 107
Holly Gregory 112

The Villages (August 8, 2015)
Fortunately the rain passed below us and it turned out to be a great day at the Nancy Lopez Course. Lots of interest in our group and the Villages News Staff was on hand to film and do a story on our traveling troubadours. Congratulations to Will Peterson who obliterated the rest of us with an outstanding 69.

• Will Peterson 69
• Bill Geisler  74
• Bryan Bruce 78
• Mike Stevens 78
• Tom McCrary 80
• Dan Capaz  83
• Scott Bowles  85
• Melvin Blair  87
• Mike Hobson 89
• Rich Grula 92
• Steve Haigler 98
• Rosemary Pabst 104
• Bob Boss 105

Sara Bay – (June 27, 2015)

Although one of our favorite courses, Sara Bay is also one of the toughest tests we play, especially the greens that are difficult to hold due to several false fronts and deep bunkers guarding them. If you are unfortunate to get above the hole with any length putt you usually need to bring a wedge because your next shot will be from off the green. It is really a classic old course with great clubhouse and they are always pleased to have us there as they value their historical roots. Congrats to Tom McCrary for low round of the day and team of Gary Cole and Bill Geisler who took the pot of gold. Pleasure for me to play with past US Professional Hickory Ladies champion Jennifer Cully.  Till next time, far and sure.

• Tom McCrary  80
• Bill Geisler  82
• Steve Powell  83
• Bryan Bruce  85
• Mike Stevens  86
• Jennifer Cully  90
• Scott Bowles  92
• Tony Zinno  92
• Gary Cole  95
• Steve Haigler  101
• Doc Riese  101
• Steve Collins  103
• Jeff Schroeder  103
• Earl Hines  104
• Dave Greenwood  106
• Rosemary Pabst  121

City of Clearwater Centennial (May 2, 2015)

The Florida Hickory Golfers celebrated the City of Clearwater Centennial along with 35 members of the Clearwater Country Club at the course designed by Herbert Strong in 1920. As you can see by the scores the course played tough especially trying to negotiate the small, speedy,  sloped greens. There was a lot of lamenting about missed putts from the shortest distances imaginable. Special thanks to Dr. Jay Harris who made the trip down from Pinehurst to supply clubs to the members and to Host Pro Greg McClimans for providing a great day of hickory golf. The weather certainly cooperated as the recent cool front made for a most enjoyable day.

• Tom McCrary 83
• Mike Stevens  85
• Mike Riso 86
• Mike Hobson 88
• Tony Zinno  88
• Bryan Bruce  90
• Kirby Wilson 90
• Dan Capaz 91
• Rudy Granda  92
• Eric Shock 93
• Bob Chew 93
• Jim Collins 94
• Bob Boss 95
• Gary Forbes  103
• Jeff Schroeder  106
• Steve Haigler 107
• Will Jacoby 117

Cocoa Beach Hickory Classic (March 21, 2015)

Special thanks to Holly Gregory who hosted the Florida Hickory Golfers for the second annual Cocoa Beach Hickory Classic. The weather was great and the course was in excellent condition. This is a good hickory venue with lots of scenic holes along the river.  A big welcome back to Steve Powell who recently had surgery to correct a double vision problem. I think the correction made the hole look bigger judging by his score.

• Steve Powell  76
• Mike Stevens  77
• Jim Giordano  84
• Mike Shiff  86
• Tim Timulty  86
• Scott Bowles  88
• Brad Gregory  89
• Kenny Burlinson   101
• Holly Gregory  102
• Barry Washburn  103
• Bob Boss  105
• Oliver Itson  110
• Rosemary Pabst  112

FHG at Dubsdread, Orlando, FL (January, 2015)

While most of the Golf World was at the PGA Show fawning over the latest technology, the Florida Hickory Golfers were over at the 1924 Tom Bendelow Dubsdread course.  It was a marvelous day and great to have Aki Ahlfors from Finland and Jay Harris from the Carolina Hickory Association join us. Newcomers Brian Giordano, Melvin Blair and Ray Landry got their first rounds of hickory golf in.

• Mike Stevens 75
• Jim Giordano 77
• Brian Giordano 78
• Aki Ahlfors 79
• Will Peterson 80
• Jay Harris  82
• Bill Geisler  83
• Tom McCrary  84
• Ray Landry  87
• Tony Zinno  88
• Brian Schuman  88
• Earl Hines  89
• Rich Grula  91
• Alice Brown  93
• Melvin Blair  95
• Bob Boss  100
• Cal Carr  101
• Myron Mokris  113

Mt Dora Country Club (December 2014)

We had a great time at Mount Dora for the Florida Hickory Golfers “Auld Lang Syne” weekend of Dec 19-21 The Lakeside Inn folks were fantastic hosts and the golf course, although showing her age, was fun and interesting. Will Peterson of Orlando, took the gross honors with a fine 76 dropping a long putt on the last green while Bryan Bruce of Sarasota was the net winner with a 64. Plan to make this an annual event on the FHG schedule.

Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club (December 2014)

The Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club proved to be a tough test as always for the Florida Hickory Golfers. It certainly deserved the description when first opened of a “long and difficult test of golf.”  That it was yesterday. Bill Geisler of Winter Park took the low gross honors with an 80, while he and partner Robert Chew from Weeki Watchi won the team blind draw at +9.

• Bill Geisler – 80
• Mike Stevens – 83
• Tom McCrary- 83
• Bryan Bruce – 85
• Robert Chew – 89
• Mike Hobson – 94
• Alice Brown -95
• Tony Zinno -97
• Rich Grula -98
• Earl Hines – 100
• Scott Bowles -101
• Steve Collins – 102
• Dan Capaz -103
• Dave Greenwood -104
• Scott Daves – 106
• Gary Cole -107
• Bob Boss -109
• Karen Daves -111
• Myron Mokris -111
• Marty Smith (New Member) – 115
• Rosemary Pabst -115

Sandpiper Golf & Country Club in Lakeland (November 2014)

Weather was fantastic today for the Florida Hickory Golfers October outing at Sandpiper Golf & Country Club in Lakeland. Just a beautiful fall day and great to welcome several new members to the group. Will Peterson and Mike Stevens shared low gross honors with a pair of 75’s over the rolling terrain and undulating greens.

In the blind draw Oliver Itson and Mike Stevens edged out Will Peterson and Mike Hobson to take the team honors.  Below are the results of the day’s play.

• Will Peterson 75
• Mike Stevens 75
• Mike Hobson (New Member) 87
• Rob Salimbene (New Member)88
• Steve Collins 91
• Alice Brown 92
• Richard Depauw (New Member) 94
• Tony Zinno 96
• Earl Hines (New Member) 97
• Rich Grula 98
• Oliver Itson 111
• Rosemary Pabst 120

Royal St Cloud (September 2014)

FHG golfers took to the links at Royal St Cloud yesterday and in spite of all the rain around the state and us, not a drop fell during our trek across the Scottish and Irish fairways. The course was pretty soggy from the downpours that have been daily over the last several days making for a long and arduous task. That did not stop Will Peterson of Orlando fame from turning in a fantastic score of 74 and top prize of $15 — a hefty sum in the hickory era!  He teamed with newcomer Cal Carr to tie the low team blind draw with Bob Boss and Rich Grula. Both teams split $40.

The staff at Royal St Cloud was extremely gracious and appreciative that we chose to play their course and were very curious about our equipment and balls. I’m sure we will be back. Great value and worth a play if your ever in the area.

• Will Peterson – 74
• Mike Stevens – 82
• Tom McCrary – 83
• Bryan Bruce – 87
• Rich Grula – 92
• Tony Zinno – 93
• Scott Bowles – 97
• Cal Carr – 101 (First Timer)
• Bob Boss – 104
• Oliver Itson – 122 (First Timer)
• Rosemary Pabst – 133

Previous Florida Hickory Golf Event Locations

• Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club
• Glen Lakes Country Club (Weeki Wachee)
• Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club
• Streamsong
• Sara Bay Country Club (Sarasota)
• Pasadena Yacht and Country Club (Gulfport)
• Summerfield Golf & Country Club (Riverview)
• Imperial Lakes Golf & Country Club (Mulberry)
• Bellair Country Club (Clearwater)
• Bobby Jones Golf Club (Sarasota)
• Silverado Golf and Country Club (Zephyrhills)
• Cleveland Heights Golf Course (Lakeland)
• Scotland Yards ( Dade City)
• Babe Zaharias (Tampa)