BRADENTON, Fla. - In conjunction with Florida Hickory Golfers, the FSGA conducted its first dedicated Hickory Golf competition at the historic Bradenton Country Club. The almost 100-year old Donald Ross, design, was the perfect host club allowing players to capture the feeling of how golf was played in its earliest days. The golf course was in excellent shape, but quite challenging as the wind gust up to 20 mph throughout the early morning round.
"Myself and the Florida Hickory Golfers appreciate the efforts of the FSGA to preserve and honor our golf history," Mike Stevens said. "The event at Bradenton CC was enjoyed by all. The renovation by Mr. Tony Jacklin and head pro Brian Lake is excellent. Great to see some first time hickory players who all said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Looking forward to the upcoming events on the calendar."
The Men's Division teed it up from 5,500 yards and saw Bill Geisler pick up his second win of the season posting a 1-under round of 70. Richard Grula finished second at 2-over 73 and Richard Boggs finished third at 4-over 75. Two players tied for fourth with scores of 77.
The Women's Division saw Marci Likens also pick up her second win of the season with an 84, followed by Natalie Wells in second place with an 89. Beth Chambers rounded out the group with a score of 106.
The Hickory Golf program represents a return to the earliest days of the FSGA. The FSGA has been conducting amateur golf tournaments in Florida since 1913. For the first 12 years, all state championships saw players competing with strictly hickory shafted clubs. It wasn't until 1924, that the USGA legalized steel-shafted clubs and hickory-shafted clubs dominated play until 1930.
The FSGA is excited and committed to running a state Hickory Open in 2021 and will be able to share details on the date and host site in the near future.
We look forward to our next Hickory Event on October 9 at Lakewood Ranch, and encourage you to sign up by clicking here.
For those golfers who are interested in playing hickory golf, the FSGA does offer the ability to rent hickory clubs when you sign up for a hickory event. If you would like to purchase your own hickory equipment, from our equipment partners, please click here.
We hope to see you at the next event!
