Hickory Stick Maintains Tradition
Tournament Uses Only Hickory Clubs

Remembering history is a valuable thing, but sometimes creating history is just as important. Old and new traditions comigled during the 4th annual Hickory Stick Tournament August 19 and 20.

The tournament is played using clubs made of hickory, historic shafts which would have been used to play the game in the 19th century.

“Everyone loves it because this is where they played hickory,” said Fred “Fritz” George, golf pro at Wawashkamo Golf Club. “That’s all there was when this course was made.”

The tradition for the Hickory Stick Classic began four years ago when a hickory player, Ralph Livingston, and a dozen other players were invited up to the course. The tournament has been kept going owing to its popularity among players. In fact, the majority of members who played in the weekend tournament brought their own hickory sticks.

A new tradition was started Friday, August 19, with the Hickory Stick Classic’s first annual shoot out, held along with a barbecue.

“It was fun,” said Mr. George. “We’re trying to do things different and new. Everybody watched the shoot out and enjoyed the barbecue.”

Twenty-one players competed in the shoot out, which was won by Mark Fleischer.

The actual Hickory Stick Classic followed on Saturday, but owing to a 1.5-hour rain delay, the tournament had to be held to nine holes. The winners of the best two ball of the fivesome were Ron Steensma, Randy Stuck, Doug Rearick, Larry Leaman, and Sonny Chappie with a score of 65. Second place went to Greg Kolkman, Phillip Navarre, Tom Irving, David Nordstrom, and Tamara Nordstrom with a score of 66. Third place, with a score of 67, were Todd Jensen, Marty Gillespie, Matt Gillespie, Mark Fleischer, and Steve Fleischer.

Men’s low gross first place winner was Lou Bunker with a score of 38, followed by Greg Kolkman with a score of 39. Ladies’ low gross was Kathy Chappie with a score of 55, followed by Tamara Nordstrom at 63. Men’s low net was Tom Irving with 33 and Marty Gillespie. Ladies’ Low net was Maryanke Alexander with a score of 46 and closest to the pin on hole four were Greg Kolkman and Tamara Nordstrom. Closest to the pin on hole eight were Tom Irving and Kathy Chappie. The longest putt was made on hole nine by Mike Robbins for the men, and Judy Robinson and Cindy Leaman for the women.