If you missed the Ottawa Hickory Golf Challenge on 5 Jun 2026, then you missed an amazing time. Organized by Chris Hawes, this event provided 124 golfers an opportunity to step back in time and play golf like many of the greats from the past. Chris hosts an amazing opportunity for any level of golfer to experience golf with hickory shafted golf clubs. There were many golfers who embraced this spirit of the Hickory Golf Challenge by dressing up in clothes of early 1900s era and this enhanced the experience for many newbies trying hickory shafted golf clubs for the first or second time. Overall, this was an amazing event and think it is a must attend for all golfers looking for a one-of-a-kind golfing experience.

I attended this event and was dressed in the proper attire. I did not originally have a partner so my friend Chris Hawes set me up with James Edgar, a first time player with hickory sticks. We had a great time and as James became more familiar with the clubs, he hit his hickories with greater results. Here is the CTV coverage of the tournament and James made the cut:

Our playing partners were Lorne Emery and Fred Boland. Both are amazing golfers with hickory sticks. On a side note, Fred is 84 years young and holds his own against any hickory stick player. They provided lots of laughs and some amazing golf shots. I was happy to play hickory golf with these two as they have a mountain of knowledge, stories and a few jabs for all. They made my round extra special.

James and I shot a one over part 73; which was good for 10th overall. We had a few tough shots that cost us a bogey or two, but overall we played very steady. James’ shot of the day was on the second to last hole where he hit his shot on a 165 yard par 3 to 12 feet. It was wonderful to watch. Yes, we made the putt for birdie.

I personally played well throughout the day. After buying a replica sand wedge and being gifted a couple of long irons from Lorne, I feel my hickory set is complete. As I navigated the round, I found that I was hitting the ball with a bit more distance due to warm weather and relaxed playing atmosphere.

The Golf Historical Society of Canada, for which I am a new member of the board of directors, was out in full force. All members of the GHSC represented the amazing history of playing hickory golf with the many other participants. As per normal, the GHSC is trying to spread the history of golf and want to thank everyone for embracing this amazing event.

I wanted to give a shout out to Kelly Mcqabbie, also known as Amikwa. He is an Anishinaabe and Ojibwe traditional specialist and artist from the Henvey Inlet and French River First Nations. He is renowned for building authentic Ojibwe Long Nose birch bark canoes using exclusively pre-colonial methods, hand-crafted tools, and locally sourced natural materials.

My shout out is because he made a hickory stick golf bag out of birch bark (see image left). It was amazing to see and the quality of his work is first rate. I had the pleasure of chatting with Kelly for a few minutes and explained the efforts required to make such a unique golf bag. He is obviously passionate about his craft and it shows in the final result.

Chris gave out a fair bit of swag for the Hickory Challenge and the picture to the right is one I found very funny. It is a prescription (image on the right) on how to play hickory golf with two golf balls in the bottle. This is the first time I have seen this type of gift and thought I needed to share it with everyone.

The Ottawa Hickory Golf Challenge was a fantastic event. I had a great time and enjoyed playing my round of golf with friends (old and new). This type of event is not purely about golf; it provides and opportunity to all level of player to get out and have some fun by reliving the roots of golf. If you are around next June, be sure to join us at the Ottawa Hickory Golf Challenge; we would all love to see you there!

One last shout out to Chris and his crew. Events like this do not happen overnight. I am grateful that Chris invites me to play in this amazing event and I already have it on my calender for next year!

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