The final Winter Series of 2017 was hosted by the Country Club of Ocala in true winter series fashion. The sixty-two man field was greeted by the coolest temperatures we've felt this year! The Winter Series consists of three divisions, the Mid-Amateur, Senior, and Super-Senior, giving a variety of amateur golfers the opportunity to compete on Florida's best courses.
In the Mid-Amateur Division, Paul Tesori of Ponte Vedra, needed no help heating up during round one. Tesori carded an impressive 2-under par 70 after shooting 3-under 33 on his front nine, giving himself a comfortable overnight lead. He was the only player to post a score under-par for the tournament. Following close behind was Sam Cianciola, a resident of Sarasota, and Tommy Stricklin III of New Smyrna Beach, at just 1-over par 73. Tuesday's warmer weather helped heat up the competition for the final round. Tesori saw his lead slip away posting a 78 in the final round as Tommy Stricklin III put the pressure on carding a 3-over par, 75, to tie Tesori at 148 and force a play-off for the win. Tesori defeated Stricklin III on the first play-off hole with a par to win his second straight Winter Series. 
Baldonick Fernandez Sr. took the reigns during round one in the Senior Division. Upon the completion of the first round, Fernandez, a native of Pembroke Pines, posted a 2-over par 74 to give himself a three stroke lead going into Tuesday. John Vaccaro, Harry Black, and Joseph Valvo all sat tied for second with round one totals of 77. Harry Black, of Niceville, outlasted the rest of his division remaining consistent through round two. Black carded 77-77--154 to win by one stroke over Joesph Valvo. Round one leader, Baldonick Fernandez finished tied for 4th at 158.
In the Super-Senior division, Thomas Austin, of Lake Wales, and Tom Keedy, of Lady Lake, were tied for the lead at 1-over par 73 after round one, but it was Carey Watson who came from behind for the victory. Watson, a resident of Plantation, followed his first round score of 75 with an even-par 72, to win by two strokes at a two day total of 147. Brian Sachs also came from behind to finish solo second. Sachs, of Newberry, fired back after his round one 77 and posted an even par 72 for a 149 total. Round one leaders Thomas Austin and Tom Keedy finished in 3rd and 4th place with 150 and 151 totals, respectively.
