Ocala- Stone Creek Golf Club hosted the second Winter Series of the 2017 season. Keeping in the true spirit of the Winter Series, the players were faced with a cool and breezy 52 degrees in Ocala. It seemed the lower the temperatures, the lower the scores were for the field! It was Kevin Altenhof , a Melbourne native, who took home the Mid-Amateur title with two consistent rounds of 71 to finish two under-par at 142 to win by two strokes. Not far behind was Matt Sheran, of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts. Sheran finished second with two even par rounds to secure second with a two day total of 144. Robbie Sisca (75-71) and Jason Coolik (75-71) tied for third place with a 146 total.
Chip Kelly, of Orlando, was victorious in the Senior Division. Maintaining his overnight lead, Kelly posted two consecutive rounds of two under-par, 70, to finish with a four under-par (140) and win by two strokes. John Vaccaro and John Milton Jr. tied for second with two day totals of two under-par 142. While Vaccaro stayed consistent (71-71), Milton made an impressive comeback after his round one 74 and fired a four under-par 68 to move into a shared second place finish. Kevin Macy placed solo fourth at even par (74-70-144).
Bobby Barben, an Avon Park resident, stole the show with his round one six under-par 66. Barben held onto his overnight lead and carded an even par 72 during round two to win the Super Senior division by three strokes with a total of 138. Second place for the Super Senior division went to Jerry Young, of New Port Richey. Young shared second with Tom Grady Jr. after round one 70’s, but carded a one under-par 71 during round two to secure second with a two day total of 141. Grady Jr.(70-74-144) finished tied for third with the consistent Pete McDade (72-72-144).
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 a Four-Ball event at Tampa Palms Country Club, in Tampa, February 12-13.
