Ohio Golf Journal September 2017

Returning golf to its roots, using clubs and balls popular during golf’s golden age in the 1920’s, is the mission of the Michigan Hickory Tour. The tour is comprised of golfers who play with hickory clubs, just as they were prior to 1935. The tour requires no membership fees and all interested golfers are encouraged to join their monthly events, plus loaners are available.   The Michigan Hickory Tour is one of the largest hickory playing groups in the country. It is affiliated with both the  Society of Hickory Golfers  and AuldGolf Society , following the appropriate rules and guidelines for each event.   Michigan Hickory Tour members competed in the Toledo Hickory Open on Sunday, August 6 th at the historic Ottawa Park Golf Course, the perfect venue for a Hickory event. The course was the first public golf course to open west of NewYork City in 1898 and at 5,400 yards from the back tees, the length is receptive to the old-style equipment. Six players even played gutty golf with pre-1900, smooth face and long nose clubs using gutta percha balls in the morning. The Toledo Hickory Open was held in the afternoon with 15 players competing in threesomes using only 1920’s era equipment. John Cova posted an impressive 77 to capture low gross honors with runner up Bill Tucholski carding a 79.   To win the net division, Gary Trapani took the honors, posting a gross score of 88, net 64. Cova and Tucholski both had a net of 66 for a tie for runner-up. The players retired to Bar Louie, where the socializing continued. Michigan Hickory Michigan Hickory Tour Holds Event at Ottawa Park By: Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal