Wawashkamo Club Hosts 28 Golfers in Tournament June 23
By Jessica Delaney

First flight tournament winners Larry Berke (left) and Mike Bartlett.

Like the little engine that could, Wawashkamo Golf Club is on a mission to prove that smaller can be a contender and began the summer season with a Men’s Member and Guest Tournament Thursday, June 23. The Member-Guest Tournament was the first of its kind at Wawashkamo, and was created as a way to provide more programs for members of the club, and as a way to promote new membership.

Fred “Fritz” George, the PGA professional at Wawashkamo, came up with the idea of hosting the tournament from other clubs around the country.

Gary Cousino traveled from Boulder, Colorado, to attend the Wawashkamo tournament and had the longest drive on the fifth hole at the Thursday practice round.

“We’re really just trying to gain member interest, and to keep membership full,” said Mr. George. The club currently has full membership, and according to Mr. George, that is owing to the effort being made to create new events at the golf links.

“For a small club, we really offer a lot, as much as many bigger golf clubs,” said Kathy Chappie, who created and sent out invitations for the tournament.

The 18-hole tournament drew 28 golfers in 14 teams. Wawashkamo actually only has nine greens, however there are 18 tees, so it is possible to play each green twice.

Gary Cousino traveled from Boulder, Colorado for the tournament, and got the greatest distance prize for his efforts.

“I love this course, and I come here religiously,” said Mr. Cousino.

Many of Wawashkamo’s members are similarly loyal, praising the course’s historic integrity as a links course, which uses only natural terrain for the course layout.

Larry Berke, a summer resident of the Island, said that Wawashkamo presents a terrific experience because it has been unchanged for a hundred years. He was especially excited when he heard about the Member-Guest Tournament, and knew immediately who his guest would be: Mike Bartlett, a friend from just after college who now resides in Oklahoma.

“The minute they established the tournament,” Mr. Berke said, “I knew he’d be the one I invited because he loves this course as much as I do.”

They ended up winning the event.

The tournament began with a practice round Thursday, June 23. Friday’s tournament round one was played with the better ball of the two, with an 80 percent established handicap. Team scores were recorded and carried over to the second round Saturday. Saturday’s round was a team scramble with a 10 percent combined team handicap.

Each golfer also received tee gifts, including a travel cover with wheels, a dozen balls with the Wawashkamo logo, and a pound of fudge. Members also enjoyed a cocktail party and dinner at the Island House for an awards ceremony.

Mr. George said he hopes to be able to do a similar event for women members at the club.

“We’re really just hoping this is a start for better things to come,” said Mr. George. “If everyone has a good time this year, we hope that word gets around.”

The tournament included two flights. First place winners for the first flight were Larry Berke and Mike Bartlett, while Ron Dufina and Rich Ellis won the second flight. First place winners received gift certificates to the Wawashkamo Golf Shop worth $150. Second place winners received $100 gift certificates, and third place received $75.

Wawashkamo Tournament Results

Practice Round Thursday, June 23

1st Place - Gary Cusino and Dave Ward, with a score of 63

2nd Place - Doug Rearick and Mike Konicki with a score of 65

3rd Place - Ron Dufina and Rich Ellis with a score of 66

4th Place - Ron Steensma and Dan Dickens with a score of 66

Closest to the Pin - Rusty Preston on the 4th Hole

- Mike Bartlett on the 17th hole

Longest Drive - Gary Cousino on the 5th hole

Longest Putt - Rusty Preston on the 9th hole

1st Round Friday, June 24

Closest to the Pin - Ron Steensma on the 4th hole

- Gary Cousino on the 17th hole

Longest Putt - Tom Klippstein on the 9th hole

2nd Round Saturday, June 25

Closest to the Pin - Mike Barlett on the 4th hole

- Larry Berke on the 17th hole

Closest to the Pin - 3 shots - Russ Sager/Mike Robbins

Tournament Winners

First Flight

1st Place Larry Berke and Mike Bartlett

2nd Place Doug Rearick and Mike Konicki

3rd Place Rusty Preston and Sean Preston

Second Flight

1st Place Ron Dufina and Rich Ellis

2nd Place Ron Morden and Mike Whaling

3rd Place - Billy Borst and Bob Andress