Over the years, my desire to play golf has waxed and waned. Depending on the stage of my game I was experiencing, the drive or desire to play golf was minimal or overpowering. As I enter the back nine of my career, I find that different things drive me to play golf. Of course, throughout all of my hills and valleys of my game, I remain grateful that I can play. Golf is a big part of my personal life and through it I remain centered with a perspective of what is important. Recently, I have notice my golf journey is taking a new path that is leading me backwards (historically) to the evolving roots of the my passion. I am not 100% sure what direction it will finally lead, but I am going to enjoy the ride.

Over the past three years, I was fortunate to have been introduced to playing golf with hickory shaft clubs. My friend Bill offered the invitation to play and my friend Lorne has fanned the flames of my interest. The three times I have played with Lorne at Osprey Links Golf Course, Lorne has loaned my three different types of vintage clubs that more than peaked my interest in using hickory shaft clubs. Lorne is a fountain of knowledge and fills my mind with the glories of days gone by on the links.

With all the new information rattling around in my brain, I have decided to take the next step and head to the Niagara Falls region to play in the Fall Hickory Classic hosted by the Golf Historical Society of Canada (GHSC). This two day event will allow me to really enjoy the other aspects of my fledgling interest. I recently talked to Lorne about purchasing a set of hickory clubs and he indicated that he can hook me up. This will take a bit of time, but I am sure that I am dealing the right guy because of all the connections he has within the GHSC.

In the meantime, I will continue to play with my modern set. However, after talking to Lorne, I might dig out my father’s Ping Eye two set that uses the persimmon woods. I think using this 50 year old set might be a fun place to start as I prepare for my mini golf vacation at the end of the month.

Golf is a sport steep in history. My short 45 years of playing is but a small portion of what has evolved since the 15th century. I figure it is time to expand my horizons and see what is just around the corner. For now, I will read a bit of history and get ready for my first hickory stick tournament!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!