Hickory Golf Champions Are Masters at 'Timing'

Modern golf feels like “cheating.”

That’s what Jennifer Cully told the New York Times after she earned a second consecutive victory in the United States Professional Hickory Golf Championship. The second annual event took place yesterday on the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club’s course.

Tom Bendelow designed the course back in 1921 when hickory clubs were standard for the game. Today’s modernized clubs deliver a smoother swing, making for an easier game, Cully told the Times.

“The hickory clubs are pretty whippy, so you have to have good timing,” said Cully, who is a teaching pro at the Apollo Beach Golf Club.

Eddie Peckels of Winter Park took first place in the men’s division with a 3-over par 76. He used a mashie from 170 yards to eagle on the 12th hole, securing his victory. Jim Garrison, Temple Terrace’s head golf professional, came in second.

The championship was the finale in a multi-day celebration of Temple Terrace's golfing roots. The festivities included an amateur tournament and a 1920s-style ball.

To find out more about the professional championship, read the Times full story.