1984 Florida Open - Sandpiper Bay Resort

Ron Terry

Tampa Pro Overpowers Field To Take Florida Title

^{St. Pete Times
July 16, 1984}

Ron Terry unleashed his awesome power for nine birdies and cruised to a three-stroke victory in the $69,000 Florida Open golf tournament Sunday at Sandpiper Bay.

Terry, 33, a former touring professional from Tampa, had a 4-under-par 274. His steady performance included rounds of 68, 69, and 69 in the first three rounds.

Terry, who won $8,000, was the only player in the field to break 70 all four days.

Tom Cleaver, another mini-tour player from Tampa, finished second with a 277 after firing a final-round 70. Cleaver had tied the course record on the shorter Saints course Friday with a 63. He opened with a 73 and had a 71 in the third round.

Tied for third at 278 were David Canipe of Orlando, Beau Baugh of Tampa, Bill Murchison of Orlando and Robert Black of Sarasota. Baugh and Murchison shot 73s Sunday, while Black had a 74 and Canipe finished with a 71.

Tim Angis of Greenacres City was seventh at 279, and Mike San Filippo of Miami Lakes and Gary Boros of Fort Lauderdale were one shot back at 280.

Scott Dunlap of Sarasota and Mark Bucek of Winter Park shared low amateur honors, each shooting a 70 in the final round to end up at 283.

"It's always good to be able to hit the ball a long way" said Terry, who was one of the longest hitters in the tournament. "It turns par-72 courses into par-68s."

Last year, Terry led the tournament by one stroke after three rounds only to shoot a 75 on the final day and tie for third.

"I think that helped me this year," Terry said. "I was a little overconfident last year and thought I had it won. This year, I just kept trying."