The Underwood Cup: A Cherished Tradition in Jacksonville Golf

In the realm of professional golf in Jacksonville, few events shine as brightly as the Underwood Cup. This prestigious match-play tournament began in 1992, stemming from a unique request made by Fred Seely to Clayton Bromberg, President of Underwood Jewelers. Seely inquired if Briomberg had "anything gathering dust" in his storeroom that could serve as a trophy. Little did he know, Bromberg had something far more magnificent in mind.

The Origin of the Underwood Cup

Bromberg chose to commission a stunning Tipperary Crystal bowl from Ireland, which took nine months to create and ship to Jacksonville. Since then, this exquisite trophy has been awarded annually to the winner of the Underwood Cup, which features a match between the Northern Chapter PGA professionals and First Coast Amateurs. Initially, this tournament was set to be named the Northern Chapter PGA Cup, but upon Bromberg’s suggestion, it was rebranded to the Underwood Cup, enhancing its prestige.

The Significance of the Underwood Cup

The Underwood Cup has become a hallmark event in the Jacksonville golf scene, with the amateurs recently claiming a victory over the professionals by a score of 15-9. Bromberg was present to award the crystal bowl, which had an original price tag of around $2,000 in 1992. Today, the replacement cost would be significantly higher, emphasizing the trophy’s value—both monetary and sentimental.

Seely remarked on the Cup’s importance, stating, "I think the Cup itself has been a big deal in making the Underwood Cup such a prominent event in this area." The trophy draws admiration from spectators, even those unfamiliar with the tournament’s history.

A Legacy of Enthusiasm and Skill

The Underwood Cup has fostered excitement in the golfing community, with players eagerly discussing their aspirations to participate in the matches. Seely noted the unwavering confidence of Eric Smith, the former head professional of Timuquana Country Club, who believed in the event’s potential for growth. Over the years, the anticipation surrounding the Cup has solidified its place in local tradition.

UNF Golf Team Shows Resilience

In another significant event, the University of North Florida men’s golf team recently displayed their talent at the Sea Best Invitational held on February 3 at the Atlantic Beach Country Club. The team tied for the second-lowest score on the final day, finishing with a commendable 6-under 278. Overall, UNF secured an eighth-place finish at 11-over.

Key performances included:

• Filippo Serra led the team, tying for 12th place with a round of 69.
• Jean-Phillippe Parr tied for 20th with a 1-over score.

The Florida Gators clinched the tournament with an impressive 10-under performance.

Renovations at Hammock Beach Golf Resort

The Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa in Palm Coast recently invested $800,000 in a bunker renovation on the iconic Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course. This modern upgrade, carried out by Jacksonville-based MacCurrach Golf Construction, includes advanced liners and high-quality sand designed to enhance drainage and consistency, readying the course for the upcoming PGA Tour Champions Constellation Furyk & Friends event from October 9-11.

Upcoming Events: JAGA Golf Competitions

For golf enthusiasts in the Jacksonville area, there are a number of upcoming events:

• Entries are open for the Jacksonville Area Golf Association’s Spring Four Ball on March 3 at Stillwater Golf and Country Club.
• The 10th annual Celebration of Golf Banquet, presented by Circle K on February 11 at Deerwood, is already sold out. During this event, the MacCurrach Family will receive the prestigious Deane Beman Award.
• Applications for the JAGA Scholarship Fund are being accepted until March 31.

Individual Achievements

In individual accolades, Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth of Fleming Island finished second in the Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year race. She was closely followed by Sandra Changkija of Lake Nona G&CC, marking her as a two-time winner of this esteemed award.

Winter Series Results: Therese Quinn Shines

At the recent Florida State Golf Association Women’s Winter Series event, Therese Quinn of Jacksonville claimed victory with a solid score of 10-over 154. Notable performances included:

• JU golf coach Kathryn Dougan finishing second.
• Iris Lee from Orlando dominated the Florida Junior Tour with a 6-under total, winning the 16-18 Bent Creek Open by a remarkable 12 shots.

As the Jacksonville golf scene continues to thrive, the Underwood Cup remains a memorable highlight, uniting golf professionals and amateurs in a shared passion for the sport.

Stay tuned for more updates on local tournaments, player achievements, and developments that shape Jacksonville’s golfing landscape.