Quirichi Successfully Defends US Pro Hickory Title

Switzerland’s Paolo Quirici became the first two-time winner of the 4th annual United States Professional Hickory Championship,shooting a 2-over-par 74 en route to a five-shot victory on February 24 at Temple Terrace Country Club in Tampa, Florida. Quirici, a former longtime player on the European Tour, earned $1,500 for his work. He also won the championship in 2013, which is annually sponsored by the USGTF. Mike Stevens, USGTF Southeast Region director and also a three-time US Hickory national champion, organized the event as part of Temple Terrace’s salute to the origins of the game. Stevens invites all USGTF professionals to play in next year’s event. The entry fee is $100 for a guaranteed purse of $5,000, and clubs are provided to participants who do not have their own hickory clubs.