The second official round of the Northern Hickory Tour took place a week ago at the Laurentide Golf Course in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Canada. This is a fun track and was worth the time we spent playing with our hickory sticks. We had 11 players and mixed up our playing partners to ensure everyone played with everyone over the course of the tour. Overall it was a fantastic day and I played my best round ever with my hickory sticks and I am excited to hit the links again very soon.

Teeing off at 11 am is a great time for golf. The ground is dry at this time of the day and temperatures were very pleasant. We were worried about the weather as it rained in the morning, but the skies cleared for our round as if the golf gods were shining down on us. Shortly after we finished the skies opened up and the deluge commenced. I know most of you have skirted weather before and can understand exactly what I am talking about regarding dodging weather.

I played with long hitting Doug and chipping master Allen. We started off well and did not stop. Using the stableford scoring method, I finished with 30 points and stroke score of 76 (just 6 over par) I had one birdie, lots of pars and a few bogeys. It was a great day for hitting the hickories as I only made a few missed shots.

Doug and Allan had up and down days. Both hit the ball well on many shots and showed me a few things about the hitting long I had not considered. Mostly, if I play the ball back in my stance just a bit, I make better contact with the ball. Playing with hickories is great fun as I learn something new all the time.

The rest of the group had a great time. I was the first on the green for the closest to the pin competitions, but I was beat out by Ron both times. He is a long time player with a smooth swing that produces great results. I hope he enjoys his prize of two dozen golf balls.

Laurentide Golf Course is a fun track to play. It is easy to see why the Golf Historical Society of Canada continue to choose this course on their list of places to play!

The next day was supposed to be at my home course of Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. Unfortunately, we were rained out and the guys headed back down south early. It is disappointing for me as my home course of Mattawa is perfect for hickory golf. Alas, we will have to wait until next year!

Hickory golf is great fun. There is still some room at the Ontario Open Hickory Golf Championship at Whirlpool Golf Course on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026. This event is for all level of players (even beginners). If you are looking for a fun event to play, come join us!

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