With golf only a few months off, it is time to start thinking about what comes next. Is this the year I try to lower my handicap, again? Or is it the time to focus on maximizing the fun out of my game. I realize that it will likely be a bit of both, however playing golf with hickory sticks has changed my view on my golf game. Fortunately, I continue to play at a decent level, so my options are wide open. Regardless of the path I chose, I am hoping for my best golf season yet in 2024!
After being introduced to hickory golf about 5 years ago by now Golf Historical Society of Canada (GHSC), my interest in playing golf with vintage clubs has grown exponentially. Not only did I purchase a set of hickory shafted golf clubs, I realize that I still have a very vintage set of Ping Eye 2, red dot, that were made about 45 years ago. It is hard to believe that my father was one of the first to fork out a bucket load to buy these clubs as a retirement gift for my and my Mom. They still are in excellent shape after many years of use. But, I digress.
My plan for this year is to play more hickory and vintage golf. Some might say, why? Well, that is a good question. Because it is fun.
Does it really matter if I shoot my lowest score ever with modern clubs? Well, of course it is; however, shooting a specific score is relative. The reason I say that is because I set the same benchmark with any clubs that I use. The important aspect of playing the different clubs is that this fun endeavour helps improve my golf swing…..which it does. I will admit that playing with vintage clubs provides more of challenge than my modern clubs, but that is as much a mental exercise as a physical one.
Playing golf is playing golf. I find joy in using all types of clubs. There is always an adjustment period when I switch between sets, but that too is fun. I am trying to break (and I think I am succeeding) to break the paradigm of only using modern equipment. There is joy in playing all types of clubs and that is really what golf is all about!
Today and tomorrow, the GHSC is at the Toronto Golf and Travel Show. They provide fun to all the would be golfers. If you happen to be at the show today, stop by and say hello. Tell them The Grateful Golfer sent you. 😉
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
The Toronto Golf and Travel Show is now concluded and this old body slept very well last night. Activity on the third day was just as strong as the first two days. There was considerable interest in our activities for this year and we expect World Hickory Golf Day to kick off the playing year in record fashion.
2024 will be a great year.
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That is awesome, Lorne! Thanks for the update.
Cheers Jim
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Jim, I thought I would give a short report on the Toronto Golf and Travel Show from the perspective of the GHSC. The first two days of the show have been very busy and we have attracted a lot of interest. Vaughn and Ron brought some nice clubs to show the first two days. I decided when I got home to put together a set of clubs that an advanced player might assemble in 1920. Several Stewarts, a Condie and Maxwell, a dream lineup in 1920.
The GHSC calendar has some amazing events planned which includes our annual Northern Ontario tour. There are several significant anniversary events including one club celebrating 125 years. And the Ontario Hickory Championship in September is one that a hickory player would not want to miss.
Time to rest up for the last day of the show. I am looking forward to playing together again this year. World Hickory Golf Day (May 5) looks like it will break records for attendance, a great start to the year.
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Lorne,
Thanks for the update. I hope Sunday is as successful as the first two days.
Cheers Jim
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