The Renfrew Golf Club is 95 years young. It has a long history of excellence that show in every aspect of the golf course. Driving up to the club house I was awed by picturesque scenery. The moment I stepped onto the grounds I was impressed by the golf course. As I played each hole, I became more impressed by the condition of the course, the design and the architecture of each hole. I have to say that I am thrilled to be invited to the 95 year hickory stick celebration. Charlie and I thoroughly enjoyed the low key even with our friend Lorne Emery, President of the Golf Historical Society of Canada. We want to thank Bob West for inviting us an sharing is this momentous occasion.
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Hickory Golf Challenge Review
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.
Continue readingUpcoming 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 readingHitting Hickory Golf Clubs
A few years back, I was introduced to playing golf with hickory shafted clubs. Thanks to Lorne Emery, President of the Golf Historical Society of Canada, I am hooked on playing these vintage beauties. I enjoy hitting them and having to use different course management strategies in order to shoot well. When I first started swinging the hickories I was challenged because I did not understand the swing I needed to perform to maximize the play of wooden shafted golf clubs. Well, fortunately I do now and it is much easier than I thought.
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The Grateful Golfer 