Shirey Wins Third Jarrett Invitational Title

AVON PARK - Walt Shirey was supposed to have surgery on a stomach hernia this week, but rather than go under the knife, the two-time Bill Jarrett Invitational champion instead decided to go under par at River Greens golf course.

"I postponed the surgery because I really wanted to play in this," said Shirey, a Fort Myers resident who won the two-day tourney in 1997 and '98. "I could feel a little bulge when I was swinging, but I wouldn't say it was painful."

Shirey fired a 3-under-par 69 on Sunday to win his third overall championship at the 22nd annual Bill Jarrett Invitational, edging fellow Fort Myers resident Mark Stockeland by three strokes. Shirey birdied his first two holes and held off a charging Stockeland, who finished in second place after taking third the last two years.

"I thought this was my year," said Stockeland, who birdied No. 1 and No. 18 but dropped two strokes on No. 16. "We were tied at No. 13, and I thought (Shirey) might fall off, but he didn't."

River Greens owner Rodney Davis certainly maximized his home-course advantage: After firing a 70 on Saturday to get himself into Sunday's final group, the Avon Park resident hung tough and won the First Flight A division with a two-day total of 148.

"I was just telling everyone that I hadn't been in a final group in 40 years," Davis said. "I really enjoyed it."

Sebring's Jim Casey won the Championship B flight with a 154, edging Bud Wester of Avon Park, who fired a 156. The First Flight B division was won by Avon Park's Jerry Lewis, who edged Sebring's Bob Brooks (165) and John Snyder (167).

The Second Flight B division was won by Dade City's Chris Martin (162), who edged Avon Park's Ken Koon and Jim Wilson (166). Dade City had another winner in Clay Jordan, who won the Second Flight B division over Lake Wales' Charlie Walden (175) and Avon Park's Brian Speaker (180).

Avon Park's Dusty Baker won the Third Flight A division with a 166, followed by Avon Park's Gary Wedge (176), Sebring's Scott Bradley (177) and Avon Park's Tim Thomas (178). Larry Jackson of Avon Park took home the Third Flight B division with a 180, followed by Avon Park's Danny Albritton (183), Avon Park's Doug Gentry (195) and Avon Park's David Jahana (197).

The Fourth Flight A division, meanwhile, was won by Avon Park's Tom Stewart (187). AP's Jeff Hartstine took second with a 194, followed by Orlando's Cliff Martin (195) and Sebring's Buddy Richards.

Rounding out the field, Frostproof's Pee Wee Hollis won the Fourth Flight B division with a 199, followed by Sebring's Chet Brojeck (203), Avon Park's Joe Graf (212) and Sebring's Greg Anderson (217).

River Greens head professional Jason Beatty said the course was set up much more difficult on the second day of the event, which draws 100 golfers each year.

"In the first round, it was pretty easy -- we had the tees up and most of the pins were in the middle," Beatty said. "But today it was tougher: We moved the tees back and had some pins that were barely on the green."

Tournament namesake Bill Jarrett said the event gets better every year.

"It's been a lot of fun for 22 years," Jarrett said. "It's always fun and exciting, and we use the proceeds around the community."

Shirey, who has a lake home in the area, said he looks forward to returning and defending his title after an eight-year hiatus from the tournament.

"I didn't have any doubles and I didn't hit anything out of bounds," he said. "I know this course because I've played here, and I prayed a lot, which helps.

"These guys are good, and we all had a lot of fun."

Stockeland, a former Sebring resident and husband of Sebring native Lacy Freeland, said the course was in the best condition he's ever seen.

"Everything was super-playable," he said. "I played real well, and I've had some good runs here -- maybe next year."