On Friday past I attended the Hickory Golf Challenge at Manderley on the Green in North Gower. This was the first year for the Hickory Challenge and the organizer/host Chris Hawes pulled out all the stops. “The impetus for this tournament is really all the great events I have been able to attend through my short time as a hickory golfer, says Christopher Hawes. “Everyone is welcoming and full of character, and the emphasis, while being competitive, is on the pure enjoyment of the game.” It was a well organized event that offered a little something everyone. If you want to participate in an outstanding Hickory Golf event, then next year this is a must attend.
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Upcoming Hickory Stick Events Around Ottawa
Starting 19 July 2024, three exciting hickory stick events will be hitting the Ottawa area. These three events offer an opportunity for anyone interested in trying out golf as it was played about 100 years ago. There is still time for you to come join the fun!
The first event, which myself and my friend Charlie will be attending, is a two-person scramble called Ottawa Hickory–Hawes Challenge. It will be held at Manderley on the Green on 19 July. Here is the flyer that provides all the details:
The second event (which Charlie and I will be attending) held on 20 July 2024 at 11 am, at the Renfrew Golf Club is one designed to celebrate the 95 Anniversary of the Renfrew Golf Club. This event offers as step back in time as players are paired with members from the Hickory Golf Society to experience a unique round of golf and provide your hickory clubs. Come enjoy a day of camaraderie and historical golfing charm as we mark this special milestone in our club’s history – Happy 95th RGC. If more information, contact Bob West (bobwest47421@gmail.com) for details.
The final event of the weekend will be held on 21 July 2024 at Club de Golf et Tennis Larrimac – Larrimac Golf & Tennis Club – 100th Anniversary Celebration (Chelsea, Quebec, Sunday, Jul 21) – contact Lorne Emery contact Lorne Emery (lorne.emery9945@gmail.com) for details. Unfortunately, I cannot attend this event, but it sounds like great fun.
As you can see, there is some exciting hickory golf to be played around Ottawa on the weekend of 19 – 21 July. I am looking forward to playing in two of the events, meeting new hickory stick enthusiasts and seeing how my hickory stick game is coming along. In addition, I have not played Manderley on the Green or the Renfrew courses, so I am excited to try new tracks. I will let you know how things go after the events. If you are inclined, we hope to see you at one or all of the upcoming events.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Evolution of Hickory Sticks According To A Grateful Golfer
I bet you are wondering what the heck is going on in the world of golf! I find it interesting to look back our roots to understand how or at least how our modern clubs were developed. My friend Lorne, President of the Golf Historical Society of Canada, is a true historian of golf. He imparts his knowledge about this great sport to anyone who is willing to listen and of course, I am a willing listener. After several discussions with Lorne, I realize that innovation in golf back in the early 1900’s was driven by several factors, but one stands out in my mind: supply and demand!
Continue readingImproving My Golf Game With Hickory Sticks
Last night I brought out my hickory sticks for the first time in 2024. It was a perfect opportunity to play nine holes with some you players, Alex and Cedar, who have amazing potential. Both are hooked on golf and love to practice as much as play! Looping around the links, we talked plenty of golf. We did not discuss their swing much, but more about how to course manage their round. With me using my hickory sticks, it afforded us an opportunity to discuss potential shots as I was considerably shorter than both of them on every club, but still scored the same at the end. Using my hickories accentuated some swing challenges I was experiencing, but also provided an opportunity to fix my errors…..which I did. Playing with hickory sticks is fun and educational; what a great combination!
Continue readingHow Hickory Clubs Help My Regular Golf Game
I played with my modern clubs yesterday. It was my first round after playing two days with my hickory sticks and I have to say I noticed the difference in my swing. My friend Blair (who I have played with regularly for years) mentioned a smoother stroke as well. I shot a smooth three over par with four bogeys and one birdie. It was an easy round and I credit my swing success to how my hickory clubs improve my overall game. As I think about it, I realize that two games with the hickories help in three areas.
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The Grateful Golfer 