Today, I played my first round of golf of the 2026 golf season. It happens to coincide with World Hickory Golf Day. It usually happens that this momentous day happens around the start of my golf season every year. Sometimes, it is sooner and others later. I thought I would bring my hickory sticks to my old haunt of Osprey Links Golf Course. As the course open this weekend, the course was in good shape and our loop around the front nine was extremely enjoyable. Celebrating World Hickory Golf Day in Callander / North Bay was the first for me and next year I think I will try to expand the number of players.

Shooting a comfortable 42 on the front was fantastic for my first time out with my hickory sticks. I shot 1 birdie, 4 pars, 2 bogies and 2 double bogies on the front nine of Osprey Links. To be fair, that number is a bit soft, but I will take it.

I exceeded expectations with some of my irons, but struggled with my woods. This is not unusual as I have a tendency to overswing with my woods. I will work on this area over the course of this year’s season. I also hacked around while chipping. Of all the chips, I only produced on tap in par, the rest were knee knockers.

I played today’s round with my friend Blair. He played well for the first round and over all we had a great time. We had planned to play 18 holes, however the weather did not cooperate and we decided to stop after 9 holes. That is typical this time of year and next time we will play a full 18 holes.

Overall, I enjoyed celebrating World Hickory Golf Day in my area. I think it is important to share the joy of playing with these ancient clubs. It does generate a great deal of discussion. If you want more information on hickory golf, drop by the Golf Historical Society of Canada and see what is happening over the 2026 golf season.

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