Sports
Tee Time Approaches for Hickory Golf Enthusiasts
Professional and amateur hickory golf tournaments are scheduled to take place during the Temple Terrace Hickory Heritage Weekend in February.
Temple Terrace’s golf course, designed in 1921 by Tom Bendelow, is the inspiration for the upcoming second annual Temple Terrace Hickory Heritage Weekend, Feb. 18-20.
The 18-hole, par 72 course at the is the star of the show all weekend when golfers and history lovers will don 1920's attire and swing with wooden golf clubs. The idea is to experience the game as it was played in the day of golf greats Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones.
Designation of the course on the National Register of Historic Places is the really big prize sought by civic boosters. Tim Lancaster, of the Temple Terrace Preservation Society, said that the goal is within striking distance.
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“I think it will happen towards the end of this year, in time for the third annual Hickory Golf event,” he said. “The nomination is being finalized for submission to the state and then the state forwards it to the National Park Service. If the course does make the register, it will be only the second course in Florida to do so.”
That would benefit Temple Terrace, said preservation society member Grant Rimbey.
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“Being on the National Register would help our hickory golf tournaments grow and help residents appreciate the history of the city,” he said.
The Hickory Hacker Golf Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 18 is open to all amateurs. Authentic hickory clubs and balls will be provided. There are no qualifying requirements, just a desire to experience hickory golf. Anyone can watch the tournament.
The Knickers Ball at the country club is the evening celebration on Feb. 18 that follows the tournament. It’s called the Knickers Ball because Jim Barnes, the club's first golf pro, typically showed up for country club gatherings in his golf knickers instead of changing into dinner attire.
Partygoers are encouraged to get into the spirit of the Roaring '20s by . It isn’t necessary to play in the golf tournament to attend the ball.
The United States Professional Hickory Golf Championship takes place Monday, Feb. 20. Professional golfers David Frost and two-time National Hickory Champion Mike Stevens will be competing at the golf course with hickory equipment. Leroux Ferreira from the Hooters Tour will return to defend his reigning champion title.
The weekend is sponsored by the Temple Terrace Preservation Society and the Florida Hickory Golfers.
The Hickory Hacker Golf Tournament is the primary annual fundraising event for the nonprofit Temple Terrace Preservation Society and proceeds from both tournaments will support ongoing projects and initiatives, as well as support the Florida Hickory Golfers.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course whose mission is to assist with the improvement, care and maintenance of the American Lake Veterans Golf Course.
The cost to play in the tournament is $125 for an individual or $450 for a foursome. Other options are available. Click through the photos with this story to find an entry form (third photo).
The cost to attend the Knickers Ball is $30 per person. Those registered for the tournament get in free. Tickets for the ball must be purchased by Feb. 15. Checks can be mailed to the Temple Terrace Preservation Society, P.O. Box 16771, Temple Terrace, FL, 33687.
For more information on either the tournament or the ball, call Leitha Bowles at 813-732-6941.