For the second year in a row, there is a new club champion at the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. Congratulations to Len Gushe for winning the final leg of the match play club champion event. He is thrilled to have the coveted parking spot for the 2026 season. Len beat me in the final leg of this tournament, but it had a bit of a twist to the ending. Regardless of the result, we had a great round, loads of fun and a perfect day for golf. Of course I am a bit disappointed to lose again in the final, but alas I lost to a great champion. Interestingly, there is more to this story.

To be clear, Len is a strong golfer who understands how to strategically play a great round of golf. He is a long hitter with a strong short game. This is the second time I lost to Len in a final of a tournament this year, so it was no fluke he walked away as the club champion. On a side note, Len and I are teaming up for a senior 2 person scramble today at Osprey Links. It should be fun and hopefully we make it to the winners circle this year.

The fun aspect of this year’s final round is that I decided to play with my hickory sticks in the final round. I am playing in the 2025 Ontario Open Hickory Golf Championship in just over a week and I needed to use my hickories during a round that had added pressure. Well, this round was definitely the one to give them a try and I learned a great deal from my experience.

First, I played from the whites at a distance of 6050 yards. This is a stretch for my game as I was consistently hitting mid to long irons into the green. I was able to get close on most shots leaving very little chances for birdie. I felt I was hitting the ball fairly well, but could not match Len’s power. This I knew going into the match.

Second, I was able to figure out my iron distances a bit better. I still have a ways to go. Each time I use my hickories, I learn more about how to play them effectively. I am planning to use them more this week and put some effort into zeroing in how each club plays.

Lastly, I need to putt more. I missed many short putts to halve a hole. This is atypical for my game and hopefully my putter will get hot at the Open event in a week. It was not any real problem with my stroke, just with my speed and distance control. More time on the practice green will help with my short game woes for sure.

Playing in the final match of the club championship with my hickory sticks was a controversial decision. I do not regret it because I had a great time. Len is an awesome player and showed why he deserved to be the club champion. On another side note, we both played the last four holes with hickories and Len found them fun to hit. He hit the ball far (of course) however, accuracy was a challenge off the tee. I am confident that if Len played a bit more with my hickory sticks, he would rectify his wayward shots.

The club championship at the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort is over for another year. I want to congratulate Len on winning the championship. He will enjoy the parking spot for the 2026 season, but he knows that many of us will try to unseat him next year!

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