MARSHAL ROMPS TO VICTORY IN USGTF-SPONSORED HICKORY CHAMPIONSHIP

England’s Andrew Marshal, the reigning World Hickory Open champion, had too much game for the professionals vying for the John Shippen Trophy at the United States Professional Hickory Golf Championship, played February 22 over the historic Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club in Tampa, Florida. The event, with a total purse of $5,000, is sponsored by the USGTF. Marshal’s three-under-par 70 was but one shot higher than the score posted by John McLeod in the 1925 Florida Open played at this same venue. Marshal at one point was five under the magic number before finding a bad lie in the bunker at number 17. In addition to the $1,500 first prize, Marshal’s name will be affixed to the John Shippen Cup, for whom the tournament is dedicated. Shippen was America’s first golf professional and played in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island. Defending champion Eddie Peckels was runner-up with a 78, along with two-time champion Paolo Quirici, Richard Bullock, and Andrew Varney. On the amateur side, Will Peterson fired a 75 for a three-stroke victory. USGTF Southeast Region director Mike Stevens hosts the tournament annually. For more information on hickory golf, you can reach Stevens at ams1127@msn.com.