With the Ontario Open Hickory Golf Championship at Whirlpool Golf Course on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, 2025 it is time to hone my skills with my hickory sticks. In order to achieve this lofty goal, I am taking more time to practice. Specifically, I am writing my yardages down on my mismatched clubs in order to understand when to hit what club. Due to the manufacturers and age of the clubs, what might seem like a no-brainer 7 iron shot, is actually a challenge because of the different reactions to hitting a ball. Regardless, I have started my journey and I am excited to see what happens this year at the hickory event. Back to how I am approaching my practice times with my wooden shafted golf clubs.
Continue readinggolfing with hickory sticks
It Is Hickory Stick Time!
Today I am playing a round of golf with my hickory sticks. I used them a few times this spring and I am excited to use them again. Playing with clubs built in the early 1900s is a fun challenge that adds a great deal of excitement to every shot. We play from a shorter distances, Red Tees at Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort – 5140 yards) to even out my ability of not hitting these historical clubs very far. The interesting thing about playing hickory sticks is the quality of hits and the requirement to focus on solid ball contact. Any lapse in concentration and the ball does not fly well at all. That is only the start of the fun!
Continue readingWatching Golf Is Not As Much Fun Anymore
For years I enjoyed watching golf on TV. It was interesting to see the now legends slug it out on each hole. Now, I find that watching golf is not always the most fun use of my time. Partly because of the split at the elite levels (which I do not want to discuss) and partly because the coverage does not seem to hold my attention. It am not sure if it is just me or has the direction of professional golf (for sure on the Men’s side) has pushed me to spend my valuable time in different areas.
Continue readingMy Final Round Of Golf Was Outstanding
Yesterday, I hit the links for the final time in 2024. I finished the same way I started – playing hickory sticks. My friend Misha and I planned to play a round with my wooden shafted golf clubs for some time and we were finally able to make our schedules match. Misha had never played with hickories before and he was pleasantly surprised at the result. For me, it was a great way to finish the season!
Continue readingLast Golf Game Of The 2024 Season
Today is it. I am hanging up my clubs after my hickory round today. My 2024 golf season will end as it started, playing my hickory stick clubs. However, today I will be playing a round with my friend Misha. He has indicated that he is interested in playing with the vintage clubs and today is the day we can make that happen.
I am not disappointed my season is ending…..well, not too disappointed. I am know I will have a long winter’s nap until April, but it is what it is and I am ready. Obviously, I will continue to talk about golf just to keep my passion alive and hopefully you, the reader, will continue to follow my golfing journey.
On a completely different note, my wife and I saw the Norther Lights in the sky last night and I thought I would show you the beauty of the nights sky that she captured. I have not observed such beauty since I was a young lad growing up; truly spectacular!
The Grateful Golfer 