ATLANTIS, Fla. – Teams from Fort Wayne, Ind., and Bradford were the winners last week in the 65th annual Leon “Pop” Sikes Memorial Father-Son golf tournament at Atlantis Country Club, each for the second time in recent years.
Indianans Bill and Kyle Miller scored a pair of one under par 71s for 142 in the alternate shot format, outscoring the elder Miller and another son, Luke, by five. The runners-up posted 70-77—147. Bill Jr. won with Kyle at 151 in 2016 and with Luke in ’17 at 145. They were out of the money last year.
Tuesday’s round was highlighted by an eagle at the par-5 opening hole as Bill hit the tee ball and subsequently sank a 30-foot eagle putt after Kyle reached the green with his second shot.
The pro division — in which at least one of the two players must be a golf professional — was won by Kirk and son Josh Stauffer of Bradford with 70-68—138, compared to their winning score of 149 in 2013.
“We played well both days, only two bogeys Monday and one (Tuesday),” said Kirk Stauffer, who retired a year ago after 34 years as the head professional at Pine Acres Country Club.
He seems to have taken advantage of his retirement to play more golf. He won the Western New York PGA Section Seniors Championship, qualifying for the Senior PGA Professional National Championship at Barton Creek in Austin, Texas, in October and well enough there to advance to the Senior PGA Championship in May at Harbor Shores, Mich.
While studying for his Masters in Business Administration, son Josh is serving as golf coach at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y., from which he graduated in 2016.
The tournament drew 41 two-somes, including 13 in the professional flight.
Professional Division
Gross – 1, Kirk and Josh Stauffer, Bradford, Pa., 70-68—138. 2, David and Cameron Young, Westchester, N.Y., 73-69—142. 3, Jack Shoenfelt, Margate, and Jackson Shoenfelt, West Palm Beach, 74-71—145.
Net – 1, Jon and Chris Hoeckder, Rochester, N.Y., 71-70—141. 2, Bob Shoenfelt, Lakeland, and Jack Shoenfelt, Margate, 67-70—137. 3, Kevin and Conor Richardson, West Palm Beach, 71-73—144.
