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Palma Ceia Comes Back to Win Club Team Championship

May 4, 2008

Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, in Tampa, posted a tournament total of 237 points to win the 2008 Club Team Championship. After earning 117 points in the first round at Juliette Falls, Palma Ceia trailed the leading team by 13 points. The team came out strong in the final round to earn 120 points at Golden Hills and win the title by 12 points. John Gabler secured 89 points over the two-round tournament to lead Palm Ceia. In the final round, Gabler made nine birdies en route to recording 50 points. Paul Royak earned 41 points the first day and 34 in the final round. Also playing for Palma Ceia, Mike Walters and Max Castro contributed to the team’s success. First round leader Rio Pinar Country Club fell to second place with a final round 95. Rio Pinar, in Orlando, led after the first round with 130 points and finished at 225 for their second consecutive second place finish. Vero Beach Country Club took third place with 223 points.  

In the Senior Division, Black Diamond Ranch won with an overwhelming 240 points. Black Diamond Ranch, in Lecanto, led after the first round earning 131 points and ran away with the title with 109 points in the final round. Ron Green posted 47-35 for Black Diamond as Dave Blackshear, Carl Nanni and Bill Joens also played a role in the team’s victory. Black Diamond Ranch will host the 2009 Senior Amateur Championship. Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club, in Valrico, took second place with 219 points and Interlachen Country Club, in Winter Park, claimed third place with 211 points.

A tradition since 1941, the Club Team is open to traditional golf clubs that own their own course and are members of the FSGA. The four team members must each be members of the club. Each team member plays 36 holes of individual stroke play using stableford scoring. Total of best 3 point totals of 4 count as the team score each day, high team point total for 36 holes is crowned the champion.  

For tee-times, pairings and results, please see www.fsga.org.  

Organized in 1913, the Florida State Golf Association is a not-for-profit organization that governs amateur golf in the state of Florida. In addition to conducting 25 championships for amateur golfers in the state, the FSGA is responsible for more than 40 qualifying tournaments for USGA National Championships and the Florida Junior Tour. The FSGA also maintains the USGA Handicap System, performs course ratings throughout Florida and assists in junior programs and scholarships.