Southern Hills Plantation Golf Club was the host for the second winter series event of the 2016-2017 season and a fantastic venue for some post-Thanksgiving competition! The weather in Brooksville complimented the holiday weekend, but the tough course conditions left the field feeling a little less merry and a little more like Scrooge.
In the Mid-Amateur Division, Charles Alexander, of Wesley Chapel, earned the title of Champion. Alexander posted a round one score of 75 to set himself up to come from behind during round two. His second day score of 73 was just good enough to edge Paul Royak, of Tampa, by one stroke to take home the win with a 148 tournament total. Royak posted a round one 76 and would fall just short during round two with a one over-par 73, giving him a two day total of 149. Falling down the leaderboard was Matt Sheran, of Massachusetts. Sheran took the early lead after day one, posting a one under-par round of 71, but followed up with 79 to take third with a 150 total.
Lloyd Fisher, of Dade City, topped the leader board in the Senior Division, also coming from behind. Fisher posted a round one 74 to put himself in fifth. During round two he carded an impressive three under-par 69, for a two day total of 143 and good enough for a four stroke victory! Fisher also had the low round for the tournament. John Milton Jr, of Jacksonville, and Ken Palladino, of Dunedin, tied for second with a two day total of 147. Both players posted rounds of 77-70 --147.
In the Super-Senior Division, Tom Grady, of Bradenton, and Pete McDade, of Lakeland, found themselves tied after 36 holes with Grady prevailing on the first play-off hole. Grady posted rounds of 74-73-147. McDade failed to follow his opening round and would finish 71-76-147. In third was Bob Hinkle, of Tallahassee, with rounds of 74-75-149.
The Winter Series is for players 25 years and older, and runs from late November through early March. Players will compete in one of three age divisions (25-54, 55-64 and 65 & Over) based on their age for the final event. A season long points list is kept through the winter earning players exemptions into 2017 FSGA State Championships. The next stop in the Winter Series is ChampionsGate Country Club December 12-13, 2016.
