GIOVANNELLI, LOWE, PARMAR GOLF CENTRAL CUP WINNERS

Matt Giovannelli, Tommy Lowe and Robert Parmar won their respective divisions in the Golf Central Cup at the Ocala Golf Club under ideal weather and course conditions.

Giovannelli won the Open Division by posting a bogey-free 6-under-par 66 for a five shot win over Martin Musgrave who fashioned a 1-under-par 71. Tied for third was Zach Phan and Ty O’Shields with 76s. Riley Owen finished fifth with a 78.

Winning the Senior Division was Lowe, who after a slow start, fired the low round of the day, a 7-under-par 65. In second place was Daniel Owen with a 4-under-par 68. Tied for third was Scott Thul and Bill Wright with 1-under-par 71s. Finishing in fifth place was Mike kemp with a 73.

The Super Senior Division had an exciting finish when Robert Parmar and Jim Prendergast ended the round tied at 1-under-par 71. Parmar won on the ensuing playoff on the second hole. Finishing in third place was Bobby Bryant with an even-par 72. Tied for fourth were Jimmy WIlliams and Jeff Faulkner with 73s.

The Golf Central Cup is the final event in the year-long competition that determines the best players in Marion County. Winning this year’s titles were Martin Musgrave (Open), Tommy Lowe (Senior) and Robert Parmar (Super Senior).

The final point totals for all the golfers who participated in the Golfer of the Year race will be on the website later this week.

All the golfers who won prizes in the GC Cup will receive merchandise credit at either of the Golf Central stores (Ocala, Brownwood in the Villages). The list of prizes and those who won them will be published tomorrow.

CHIP SHOTS – Sincere thanks goes out to Golf Central (Justin Lloyd and Troy Suarez) for sponsoring this event. A special atta-boy goes out to MCGA board member David Mears who chaired this event. It’s hands-down the most difficult event on the schedule to put together.

IBBOTSON, BRYANT, CLEMENS OSWALD WINNERS

Once again, the scoring conditions were ideal at Ocala Golf Club for the final round of the 48th Doug Oswald Senior Golf Tournament and the top golfers took advantage of it.

Chad Ibbottson (Sanford) backed up his opening round of 65 with a 69 for a two-day score of 10-under-par 134 giving him a 3-shot win in the Senior Division. Finishing in a tie for second at 137’s were Daniel Owen (70-67), Longwood’s Thad Hudgens (67-70) and Tallahassee’s Robert Bechtol (67-70).

In the Super Division, Bobby Bryant shot another 3-under-par 69 for a 6-under-par 138 to edge Roger Dean (Ormond Beach) by a single shot. Dean shot rounds of 68-71 for a 139 total. Third place went to Tallahassee’s Marcus Beck with 4-under-par 140 (71-69) and in fourth place was Robert Parmar with 144 (71-73).

Tampa’s Dick Clemens went wire-to-wire winning the Legends Division. Clemens’ last round of 67 coupled with his opening round 68 have him a 9-under-par 135 and a five shot victory. Finishing in second place was defending champion Jim Carley (Ormond Beach). Carley shot rounds of 71-69 for a 140 total. Third place went to Brian Sachs (Newberry) at 147 (70-77). Jerry Rodeheaver ended up in fourth place with 148.

For the entire field scores: TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL RESULTS – DOUG OSWALD

MUSGRAVE, OWEN, BECK WINNERS IN STONE CREEK FALL CLASSIC

In a day when the weather was bleak and drizzly at Stone Creek Golf Club, Martin Musgrave, Daniel Owen and Marcus Beck won their respective divisions in the third annual Stone Creek Fall Classic.

In the Open Division Musgrave hung on to win the title by a single shot. Musgrave shot a final round 75 for a two-day total 144 just a single shot in front of Vanguard High School standout golfer Zack Phan. Phan shot a final round 2-under-par 70 for a 145 total. Finishing in a tie for third place were Matt Giovannelli and Scott Wood with 147’s. Tim Pulnik finished alone in fifth place with a 155 score.

Owen cruised to a six-shot win in the Senior Division. Owen shot a final round 71 for a 7-under-par 137. Tied for second place were Tommy Lowe (73-70) and Bill Wright (71-72) with 143’s. Tied for fourth were Dewey Pechinski and Tod Lazarus with 145.

Tallahassee’s Beck fired his second round in the 60’s for the tournament to win the Super Senior title by two shots. Beck posted a final round 3-under-par 69 for a 7-under-par 137. Apopka’s Doug Snoap finished along in second with a 5-under-par 139 (69-70). Third place went to Steve Humphrey with a 2-under-par 142. Tied for fourth were Robert Parmar and James Starnes (Ft. Myers) with 1-under-par 143s..

For the field results see TOURNAMENT INO/Results/FINAL RESULTS – STONE CREEK FALL CLASSIC.

GRANT, OWEN, PADOVA BO WILLIAMS WINNERS

Justin Grant continued his stellar performance in the Open Division of the Bo Williams City of Ocala Amateur. He followed up the course record 60 first round with a 67 at the Ocala Golf Club which gave him a 2-day total 17-under-par 127 and a runaway win. Ryan Letterly shot 68/ 137 for second followed by Matt Giovannelli 71/139 third and Tim Hunt 72/144 fourth.

Grabbing the Senior Division title was Daniel Owen who was red hot, firing a final round 6-under-par 66 for an 8-under-par 136 and a 2-shot come from behind win. There was a three-way tie for second with Chad Ibbotson (Melbourne) 69/138, Dave McMeen (Wesley Chapel) 69/138 and Tommy Lowe 70/ 138.

The Super Senior Division saw Andy Padova (Hudson) overcome a 3-shot deficit by posting a 3-under-par 69 to catch first round leader Steve Humphrey at 2-under-par 142. Padova ended up winning the playoff. Corey Walker (Daytona) 73/144 was third and Walter Himelsbaugh  (Leesburg) 72/146 finished fourth. 

For the final results of the entire field see: TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL RESULTS- BO WILLIAMS

PARMAR WINS MARION MASTERS SUPER SENIORS

Robert Parmar played well enough to capture the Marion Masters Super Seniors title. Parmar shot a final round 74 at the Ocala Palms Country Club which coupled with his opening round of 67 gave him a 2-under-par 141 total for the two-day event.

Finishing in a tie for second place at 145 were Bob Bailey (69-76) and Dan Cole (75-70). Cole shot the low round of the day a 2-under-par 70. Tied for fourth place at 146 were Jim Prendergast (75-71) and David Mears (69-77). Prendergast was the only other player to break par on the final day a 1-under-par 71.

Bracket winners were: David Mears (Super Seniors), Parmar (Silver Seniors) and Berger Warner (Golden Seniors).

For entire field final scores see: TOURNAMENT INFO/ Results/FINAL RESULTS – MM SUPER SENIORS

ALBRIGHT/GRANT, LaCAMERA/HALL, MEARS/BROWN SUMMER GAMES CHAMPIONS

It was wire-to-wire wins for all three division champions in the Summer Games over the weekend at Ocala Golf Club. The event is four different 9-hole formats with a total score of 180.

Winning the Open Division were Miles Albright and Justin Grant as they fashioned a 15-under par 165. Just two shots off the pace in second place was Martin Musgrave and Matt Giovannelli with a 13-under-par 167. In third place were Macon and Hayden Kinder with a 10-under-par 170 total.

Easily winning the Senior Division were Tony LaCamera and Craig Hall with a 10-under par 170 which gave them a seven shot margin over second place Tommy Lowe and Scott Thul (177). Finishing in third place were Richie Crile and Drew Ditty at 179.

The Super Senior Division title was won by David Mears and Brian Brown with a 4-under-par 176 score. Second place went to Robert Cunningham and Juan Campos with 178. Andy Padova and Waler Himelsbaugh finished third at 179.

For the full field final scores see: TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL RESULTS – SUMMER GAMES.

GIOVANNELLI CLAIMS HIS SECOND MARION MASTERS TITLE

During the last three days, over three different golf courses Matt Giovannelli played brilliantly to capture his second Marion Masters championship trophy, but it didn’t come easy.

Giovannelli grabbed the tournament lead after day one with a 5-under-par 67. Round two saw “Gio” shoot a 1-under-par 71 but he found himself just one shot clear of last year’s champion Martin Musgrave heading into the final round at the Ocala Golf Club. The lead during the last round see-sawed back and forth with Musgrave grabbing it mid-way through the front nine holes. A birdie-birdie-birdie finish on the front side by Giovannelli and the lead was up to two shots heading to the back nine. Both golfers played well on the inward nine despite the sudden downpour that popped up. Unfortunately, Musgrave’s 35 was no match for the 33 that Giovannelli put up to claim the crown. Giovannelli finished with a three-day total of 12-under-par 204 (67-71-66) and Musgrave totaled an 8-under-par 208 score on rounds of 68-71-68.

Finishing in third place was another former MM Champion Justin Grant. Grant fired rounds of 68-75-68 for a 5-under-par 211 total. Finishing in a tie for fourth place at 3-under-par 213 were Tommy Lowe and Ryan Letterly. Lowe shots rounds of 70-73-70. Letterly shot the low round of the tournament on the final day a 65 to go with his 73 and 75. In sixth place was three-time former champion Daniel Owen who was also under par for the tournament with a 215 total (70-784-71).

For all the scores see TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL SCORES – MARION MASTERS

CHIP SHOTS – Finishing in a tie for 20 place was Tiana Eldem. The Lake Diamond resident plays golf for the Central Arkansas University golf team and is the fourth female to qualify to play in the championship.

MUSGRAVE HANGS ON TO WIN HENRY CAMP INVITATIONAL

Conditions were a little tougher on the final day of the Henry Camp Invitational at Ocala Club but when the dust cleared it was a wire-to-wire win for Martin Musgrave.

Musgrave’s first two rounds of the event (63-67) gave him a seven shot heading to the final day and it didn’t look as though there was going be much drama in the end but Justin Grant managed to change that. While Musgrave was not as sharp as he was during the first two rounds Grant was making birdies and inching closer to the leader. When Grant made birdies on the last two holes he posted the low round of the day an 8-under-par 64 and found himself only two shots away from Musgrave. A bogey by Musgrave on 17 and the lead was now cut to one heading to the last hole. Musgrave’s tee ball on 18 found the left rough in the tree line. Musgrave managed a brilliant second shot to the center of the green and a final hole two-putt par gave him the victory.

Finishing in third place was Ryan Letterly with an 8-under-par 208 (74-65-69). Fourth place was Matthew Dunlop at 210 (69-70-71). Tied for fifth place were Matt Giovannelli and Ryan Terry (TN) with 5-under-par 211’s.

For the entire field scores see TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL RESULTS – HENRY CAMP.

GIOVANNELLI, THUL, BAILEY GEORGE SCALES CHAMPIONS

Matt Giovannelli, Scott Thul and Bob Bailey fought the blustery winds at The Country Club at Silver Spring Shores to emerge as champions in the 7th Annual George Scales Memorial tournament.

Giovannelli entered the final round of the event tied with Martin Musgrave for first place in the Open Division. A brilliant 5-under-par 67 by Giovanelli on the final day gave him an 8-under-par 136 total which was four shots clear of Musgrave (69-71 – 140). Finishing alone in third place was Ty O’Shields at 142 (70-72). Fourth place went to Justin Grant with a 148 and in fifth place was Drew Ditty at 153.

In the Senior Division a 4-under-par 68 final round by Thul pushed him ahead of first round leader Scot Goldbach to capture the top spot. Thul’s two-day total of 142 was three shots better than Goldbach (145). In third place was Tommy Lowe at 146 with Todd Lazarus foruth at 149 and Chris Yancey fifth at 151.

The Super Senior Division was tightly packed heading into the last day but Bailey put up the low round of the tournament, a 6-under-par 66 to overtake first round leader Walter Himelsbaugh. Bailey posted a two-day score of 9-under-par 135 with Himelsbaugh coming in with a 5-under-par 139 which was good enough for second place. Corey Walker with a 144 was third. Mike Murphy’s 149 total was good enough for fourth and Bill Zylstra was fifth with 149.

The final scores for the entire field are under TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL RESULTS – GEORGE SCALES.

LOWE, HARRIS, CLEMENS AND ENGEL MOOT THOMAS WINNERS

All of the second round leaders in the Moot Thomas Invitational hung on to win their respective divisions on the final day of this three-day event.

In the Senior Division it was Ocala’s Tommy Lowe going wire-to-wire to win the title. Lowe opened up the tournament with a 65 and never looked back, although runner-up and defending champion Daniel Owen (Ocala) pulled to within one shot mid-way through the front side of the final round. It was at this point Lowe ran off four straight birdies on holes 7, 8, 9 and 10 to pull away from the pack. Owen finished at 11-under-par 204 (68-71-66). Finishing in third place was Kevin VandenBerg (NY) with a 10-under-par 206 on rounds of 68-71-67. Fourth place was Scott Ray (KY) with a 208 (71-66-71) and fifth place was Chad Ibbotson (Sanford) at 208 (70-71-69).

The Super Senior Division battle for the title was tight for all three days and it was Doug Harris grabbing the top spot. The Franklin, TN resident fired a second consecutive 4-under-par 68 for a three-day score of 10-under-par 206 and a two-shot win over Brad Rollison (Ponte Vedra Beach) who shot rounds of 67-72-69 for a 208 score. Tied for third were Terry Tyson (OH) and Apopka’s Doug Snoap with 210 total. Tyson shot 72-69-69 and Snoap shot 68, 73 and 69. Ft. Myer’s James Starnes finished fifth with 211 (71-71-69).

A record setting performance by Dick Clemens easily allowed him to win the Legends Division. Clemen’s three-day score was the lowest ever shot by any participant in the history of the tournament. The Tampa resident shot rounds of 69-62-67 for an 18-under-par 198. It’s the only time that anybody has been below 200. A gallant effort by John Armstrong fell short of catching Clemens but was good enough for second place. The Maryland resident closed the tournament with a 65 giving him a total score of 13-under-par 203. In third place was Robert Parmar (Ocala) with a 208 (69-64-75). Fourth place went to last year’s winner Phil Pavoni who shot a 6-under-par 210 (71-68-71). In fifth place was Bill Zylstra (Ocklawaha ) with a 74-71-68 – 213 score.

St. Augustine’s Bill Engel won the Super Legends Division pulling away from the field by firing a final round 3-under-par 69 for a three-day score of 11-under-par 205. In second place was John Osborne (Vero Beach) with a 5-under-par 211 (68-71-72). Third place went to Green Grove Springs’ Jack Hennemann who shot a 3-under-par 213 on rounds of 71-71-68. Brian Sachs (Newberry) finished in fourth place at 1-under-par 215 (70-73-72). Tied for fifth were Pete Andrews (Lithia) and Don Marsh (GA) as both posted even par 216 scores.

CHIP SHOTS – The winners of the Senior and Super Senior won an exemption into the 2024 North South Senior Amateur Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina…..Many of these top senior amateurs in the country who were in the tournament shot their age, too many to mention them all but there’s two that stood out more than the others with both of them shooting 14 shots under their age – Dick Clemmens’ round of 62 was 14, yes 14 shots better than his age and Jim Pfrogner also shot 14 shots under his age a final round 68 – do the math and you’ll see how old they are…..There were players from 16 states and one from Canada in the tournament…..

For all the final scores see: TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL SCORES MOOT THOMAS

VANNUCCI, OWEN, HIMELSBAUGH CCO INVITATIONAL WINNERS

Mother Nature did not cooperate over the weekend at the Country Club of Ocala and because of her persistence the 2-day Invitational event had to be shortened to a one-day event. With that being said all of the first-round winners ended up being champions. Troy Vannucci, Daniel Owen and Walter Himelsbaugh who all managed to shoot under-par won their respective divisions.

Vannucci’s 4-under-par 68 gave him a 8-shot win in the Open Division. Coming in second place was Justin Grant with a 74. Martin Musgrave’s 75 put him in a third place finish with Riely Owen finishing fourth with a 76.

Owen’s 2-under-par 70 gave him a one-shot win over Thad Hudgens (71) in the Senior Division. Tied for third place were Steve Humphrey, Bobby Bryant and Doug Jones with 74’s.

Winning the Super Senior Division was Himelsbaugh with his 1-under-par 71. Second place went to Carlos Sera with a 73. Jack Easton ended up in third at 75 and Brian Duffy was fourth at 77.

CHIP SHOTS – Vannucci doesn’t mind making the trip from Palm Coast to Ocala. This is the second tournament he has played in this year, and he’s won both of them. His first win was last month – The Memorial.

The entire field scores are under TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL SCORES – CCO INVITATIONAL

DORMAN WINS MARION MASTERS SENIOR

Brent Dorman successfully defended his Marion Masters Senior title. The 36-hole tournament, which is for Marion County residents who are least 50 years old, finished at Ocala Golf Club.

Dorman shot a final round 4-under-par 68 which gave him two-day total of 4-under-par 140. Finishing in second was Steve Humphrey who was also under par. Humphrey, who finished second nationally for Super Senior Amateur in 2023, shot a 1-under par 143. In third place was Tommy Lowe with a 148 score. Fourth place was Jeff Morley at 149 and tied for fifth were Richie Crile and Scott Goldbach with 150s.

Winning the Super Senior Division was Jeff Faulkner. Faulkner shot back-to-back 3-under-par 69’s for a 6-under-par 138 total. Coming in second place was Robert Parmar with a 2-under-par 142. Tied for third were Phillip Yancey and Bob Bailey with 145. Bill Zylstra was alone in fifth with a 147 total.

In separate division play it was Dorman winning the 50-59 title with his 140 finish followed by Richie Crile and Scot Goldbach at 150. In fourth place was Lyle Livengood with a 152 and Paul Irvin was fifth with 155.

Winning the Silver Senior Division (60-64) was Humphrey with his 143 followed by Lowe at 148. Third place went to Morley at 149 and finishing in a tie for fifth was Bill Knapp and John McLeod at 150.

In the 65-69 Super Senior Division Faulkner topped the list with his 138 followed by Parmar at 142, Yancey at 145, Dave Falcone with 150 and David Mears at 152.

In the Golden Seniors Division (70-74) Bailey was first at 145 with a Zylstra second at 147. Jim Prendergast was third at 148 with Mike Arminio and Laurie Harrison tied for fifth at 150.

There was a tie for the top spot in the Legends (75+). Randy Briggs and Ron Russo ended up with 155 scores. Briggs shot 78-77 and Russo shot 76-79. Finishing third was Tom Stephenson at 157 (83-74) and Dick McDonough was fourth with 162 (88-74)

CHIP SHOTS – Several participants shot their age in the tournament. Dick McDonough (75) shot 74, Bob Bailey (71) shot 69, Bill Zylstra (72) shot 71, Mike Armino (74) shot 71 Robert Parmar (69) shot 67, Jim Prendergast (72) shot 72, Tom Stephenson (76) posted a 74 and Ron Russo (80) shot 76 and 79.

For al the final scores and breakdown by divisions see: TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL RESULTS – MARION MASTERS and FINAL RESULTS – MARION MASTERS SENIOR DIVISIONS

CLARK CREAMER INDUCTED AS MEMORIAL HONOREE

“The Memorial Honoree is one who, through their relationship to the game of golf, has made meaningful contributions to the community.”

Clark Creamer was recognized as the Metropolitan Rotary Club’s 2023 Memorial Honoree at a special luncheon recently at the Ocala Golf Club. Creamer was the 36th recipient of this honor. Sixty friends, family and fellow honorees shared this special moment with Clark. Bo Briggs emceed the event and made the presentation of the prestigious trophy and gray jacket.

Some 26 years ago Ocala Director of Golf Mike McGinnis needed a golf professional in the city golfing program. McGinnis immediately offered the position to his long-time associate Creamer who was at the time working in the Florida Panhandle, packed up his bags and along with his wife (Julie) and daughter (Sara Katherine) moved to Ocala. Upon his arrival Clark was embraced by the local community and Clark being Clark, embraced them back. Clark has since given Marion County a professional who has been compassionate, knowledgeable and most of all lovable.
These are just some of the areas that Clark has had a great influence in … Youth Golf – Clark has mentored countless youngsters on and off the course and was a huge factor in the First Tee Program. Competitive Golf – Clark organized, assisted and ran numerous tournaments. Some of the most notable being The Pine Oaks Invitational and the Marion Masters Seniors. The Community – Clark was always there to listen, analyze and give constructive advice on subjects that weren’t always golf related.
Clark serves on the Marion County Golf Association board and is a lifetime member of the PGA. Clark has been the professional at several of the area courses, Pine Oaks, Ocala Golf Club and the Country Club of Ocala. Clark, Julie and Sara Katherine still call Ocala home and guess what, Clark hasn’t totally retired yet, you can find him behind the counter and also giving lessons at Baseline Golf Club. Drop in there and say hello … he’ll be glad you did.

VANNUCCI, LOWE, BAILEY MEMORIAL WINNERS

The weather that the golfers faced on the final day of The Memorial at Eagle Ridge Golf Club was not ideal. Braving cold, windy conditions however did not deter anyone.

Troy Vannucci, Tommy Lowe and Bob Bailey ended up coming as the winners in their respective divisions.

Vannucci (Palm Coast) successfully defended his championship by shooting an even-par 144 two-day score (70-74) and finished two-shots ahead of runner-up Matt Giovannelli. Gio posted a 146 (74-72). Justin Grant finished with a 149 total (71-78) ending up third. Martin Musgrave finished fourth with a 152 (75-77) and Brandan Brookshire was fifth with 156 (80-76).

In the Senior Division Lowe claimed the top spot with a 147 total on rounds of 75 and 72. There was a three-way tie for second place as Bill Wright (75-79), Scott Goldbach (78-76) and Bobby Johnson (77-77) all shooting 154 scores.

Bailey shot the low round of the day, a 3-under-par 69 to claim the top spot in the Super Senior Division. Bailey’s 5-under-par 139 score was three better than Robert Parmar who was also under par for the event with a 2-under-par 142 (70-72). Finishing alone in third place was Richard Keene (Ga) with a 1-under-par 143 total on rounds of 71-72. Chris Hall (Ga) finished fourth with an even-par 144 (71-73) and finishing fifth was Kevin Macy (Tampa) with a 147.

For the final scores see TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL RESULTS-MEMORIAL

LOCKER/LETTERLY, MORLEY/JOHNSON, MEARS/HESS OCALA CUP WINNERS

The teams of Ben Locker/Ryan Letterly, Jeff Morley/Johnson and David Mears/Rob Hess survived the winds and rain for two days to come on top of their divisions in the Ocala Cup at Ocala Golf Club.

For Locker and Letterly, it was a successful defend having won the Open Division title last year.

In the Senior Division Jeff Morley and Bobby Johnson went wire-to-wire to capture the top spot.

Winning the Super Senior title was also a wire-to-wire win for David Mears and Rob Hess.

The entire field scores are under TOURNAMENT INFO/Results/FINAL RESULTS – OCALA CUP