MacDuff (who, through an error, perhaps, on the part of the hosts, was in the field) reports on the 2026 Winter Park Hickory Classic (Jan. 17-18):
Anxious eyes kept watch on the weather in advance of the seventh annual Winter Park Hickory Classic. A brutal cold snap had the rest of the country in its grip and Florida did not escape, an impudent dusting of snow being visited upon its northern counties. Hosts Bill and Elizabeth Geisler, too, kept a nervous eye on things, they having 49 golfers on the list of players. Some, from Canada and Michigan, for example, paid no mind to the conditions, but the Florida players were well bundled and complaining of the early morning temperatures – in the mid to low 30s. As it turned out, the timing of the worst of the weather did not impede the event. A stroke of luck, that.
The venue is one of Florida’s historic courses, the nine-hole Winter Park Golf Course, which dates to 1914, a par 35 at 2,527 yards. Though flat, the course is well maintained and features diabolical greens where slight putting miscues may result in an agonizing trickle of the ball off the green. Though your humble writer found other means of disaster, he can proudly say this error was not among them.
Winter Park is a charming older town of grand historic homes, live oaks and Spanish moss. The Rollins College and the Morse Museum, with its astounding collection of Tiffany works, are centerpieces and there is a downtown with trendy restaurants, antique shops and boutique stores.
The Saturday morning of the event, though chilly, even cold, at first, warmed up to the low 70s under sunny skies and all was smiles and good will as the the players gathered around the scoreboard to note their finish in the field. Most gave a resigned nod and looked for the nearest cooler of beer and wine, but others had hopes they might contend for one of the Geisler’s handsome trophies – club head and early mesh ball perched atop a block of stained and polished hickory.
The men’s champion, former PGA Tour player Wally Armstrong, played a strong round, barely missing a shot or a putt, coming in with a strong 71, beating his age by nine strokes. Armstrong, short of stature with gray hair and sparkling eyes, is a bundle of energy who loves talking about teaching and working with young golfers. He has no end of experience from his PGA days and even a couple of Masters tournaments in the lat 70s. An author, Armstrong’s book, The Mulligan, is a story of redemption involving a troubled golfer. The book was later made into a movie staring Pat Boone.
In second by only one stroke was Bo Turocy, a golf pro from Summerville, S.C. Turocy also makes as fine a fashion statement for hickory golf as can be done, a handsome fellow in impeccable plus-fours, elegant vest and cap.
Women’s champion BJ Hayden, a familiar figure to Florida hickory golfers, turned in an 85, a full nine strokes of runner-up Rachel Weaver.
The evening’s festivities were begun with a wonderful slide-show of the day’s play, the photos taken and arranged by Greg and Beverly Wise. The Irish-themed meal – delicious lamb, tender salmon and more – was prepared by Jennie Schulz, whose husband, David, is a devoted hickory golfer.
Just after the meal, author Stephen Proctor, a familiar player in the Winter Park Classic, was asked to speak about his recent book, Matchless, a remarkable account of the growth of early women’s golf and its two greatest champions, Joyce Wethered and Glenna Collett. The book, a tee gift for the tournament, was recently named by the USGA as its 2026 Herbert Warren Wind Award recipient, annually given to the best recent book on golf literature. (It is a great book, by the way; do not miss the opportunity to find and purchase your copy.)
The four-club Marci Maximus on Sunday had an exuberant start as players were eager to finish before a predicted front was to pass through the area. It’s a tricky thing to figure out just what four clubs to use. This writer chose a 1-iron, jigger, mashie niblick, and putter for his weapons. The mix was different for each player. Winners Lee Wilson and Rachel Weaver had it figured out, though and came through for top honors. Everyone finished in time for pizza in the clubhouse and to bear witness to a terrific rain squall that pushed through, sending leaves and branches flying, pushing unattended golf carts off the course and sent hapless golfers scurrying for cover. A dramatic finish to a good morning of golf.
Event host Bill Geisler was particularly pleased with the event and the luck of getting in our rounds despite the challenging weather. He adds the following remarks:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for participating in the seventh annual Winter Park Hickory Classic at the WP9. We were fortunate to have great weather and good course conditions for this year’s event. As in each year, the City of Winter Park and the WP9 staff and greens crew have graciously supported our tournament with enthusiasm. Most importantly, I want to thank our photo and video support from Greg and Beverly Wise, Ignite Golf Network. What an incredible WPHC video! Here is the video link: https://youtube/2QBIW2bjh6w
Additionally, thank you to the donors of raffle items: Tad Moore Golf, Scott Middlekauff, Rich Grula, and Jim Wilhelm. Huge appreciation to Jennie Webster and her crew for the great dinner on Saturday night. Immense gratitude to our resident scribe, award-winning author Stephen Proctor, for his talk and book signing. The book, Matchless, is the 2025 USGA Herbert Warren Wind awardee, for the best golf book of the year. Lastly, thanks to the indomitable Marci Likens for organizational support and handicap vetting.
Congratulations to the Saturday WPHC Winners!
Men’s Division:
Wally Armstrong – First Place Gross, 71
Bo Turocy – Second Place Gross, 72
John Pease – First Place Net, 71 (won match of cards)
Bob Asdal – Second Place Net, 71
Eddie Peckels – Third Place Net, 72
Women’s Division:
BJ Hayden – First Place Gross, 85
Nancy Keating – First Place Net, 77
Rachel Weaver – Second Place Net, 81
“Marci Maximus” Four Club Challenge, Sunday Winners –
Men’s Division:
Lee Wilson – First Place Gross, 38
Tug Passen – First Place Net, 35 (won match of cards)
James Chambers – Second Place Net, 35
Women’s Division:
Rachel Weaver – First Place Gross, 45
Beth Chambers – First Place Net, 48
All the best from the Winter Park Hickory Classic and see you next year!
Cheers, Bill