Former Alabama golfer Michael Thompson wins first Hooters Tour title at Timacuan

Michael Thompson knew exactly where he stood going into Thursday’s final round of the NGA Hooters Winter Series event at Timacuan Golf Club – two behind the second-round leader Matthew Kohn. But even after shooting a 29 on the front 9, he wasn’t sure where he stood when he teed it up on the tough 18th, the final hole of the 54-hole event. 

“I didn’t know at all. I do know that I was really nervous,” said the 24-year-old Thompson.Nerves or not, he drained a 16-foot birdie putt to finish off a nine-under-par 63 and what proved to be a five-shot victory. It was his first win after two years on theNGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour, and was worth $12,400 pushing him to the top of the Winter Series money list.

The Birmingham, AL, resident and former University of Alabama player carded a three-day total of 18-under-par 198 and a five-stroke victory over Kohn (Maitland, FL), Robbie Greenwell (Georgetown, ON) and Zack Sucher (Loxley, AL). 

Timacuan’s own Marcus Manley holed out a wedge for an eagle two on 17 then birdied 18 to finish fifth at 12-under.

The other big winner this week was the host course, Timacuan Golf Club, which proved to be a solid test for the field of 132.

“Timacuan is a really good course; I enjoyed playing it,” said Thompson, who finished second in the 2007 U.S. Amateur to Colt Knost. “It makes you focus on the tee shot. That’s what makes it tough. Hit the fairway and you’ve got a decent chance to score well.

“The greens rolled really well. They weren’t terribly fast, but they putted very true.”

The Timacuan community and club are located off Rinehart Road near State Road 46-A in Lake Mary. Timacuan is ranked among the top courses in all of Florida. Designed in 1988 by Ron Garl and refurbished by Bobby Weed in 1995, Timacuan is a par 72 that features two distinctly different nines. 

Prior to starting work on the layout, Garl spent time in Scotland studying Links-style architecture, and that research is very evident on Timacuan’s front nine. Sprawling bunkers, generous landing areas, oversized, undulating greens, and framing mounds combine to create a challenging and memorable nine holes.

The back nine has more of a Carolinas Low Country feel, with beautiful oak trees and tall pines providing the framing. One large body of water comes into play on 15, 16 and 17, demanding accuracy. 

Nearly every green complex has closely-mown fringe areas, allowing for a variety of shot selections when players miss the green.

“Timacuan is a semi-private golf club with a private-club feel,” said Timacuan General Manager Johnson. “Our visiting guests receive the same first-class treatment as our members. That’s one of the reasons we see the same players return year after year during the season. They seem to love the service, and the uniqueness of the layout at Timacuan.”

For more information about Timacuan, visit www.golftimacuan.com, or call 407-321-0010

Via Examiner.com Orlando