Florida Pro Wins USGTF-Sponsored US Pro Hickory

Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club in Tampa, Florida, opened in 1922 and laid out by noted architect Tom Bendelow, was described by the Tampa Tribune as a brute of a course stretching out over 6,400 yards. That’s probably not worthy by today’s standard, but a stout test for the century-old clubs used back then. The links held up well against some excellent modern-day hickory golfers at the 2018 United States Professional Hickory Championship held February 26, with Dylan Malafronte from Ocala, Florida, carding an even-par 72 to grab the John Shippen Cup with a margin of two strokes clear of Mark Harman from Ridgeland, South Carolina. This year’s Ladies’ championship goes to Jennifer Cully of Apollo Beach Golf Club in Florida, with an excellent round of 86.

The U.S. Pro Hickory is the brainchild of USGTF Southeast Region director Mike Stevens, himself a three-time national champion in hickory golf. The event is held annually in February at Temple Terrace.

For more information, please go to www.USProHickory.com or email Stevens at ams1127@msn.com.