By Rob Birman
Thirty-six determined golfers gathered for the second annual Gamble Sands Hickory Open, Oct. 8-9, hosted by Northwest Hickory Players and Gamble Sands. The course is one of the latest additions by David Kidd, architect of famed Bandon Dunes. And, while decidedly inland [200 miles inland from Seattle], the links resemble Bandon Dunes in many respects – tight fescue grass from fairways to green, brilliant drainage, sweeping but generous (and challenging) fairway systems that promote colossal shot-selection options and now and again favor less-than-driver off the tees (depending on the prevailing winds which can be intense, and often are), and a level of remoteness that makes one wonder why on earth anyone would build a golf course so far away. These are the conditions that vex us, keep us coming back for more and, what has proven to be the case in Oregon, is trending now in the same dynamic direction in Brewster, Wash.
Wow, is this place cool.
Locals love to brag about Chambers Bay and the fact that the course has only one tree on it. Well, Gamble Sands has zero. This is among the very best of American links golf, hands down.
This second annual hickory classic of the Northwest Hickory Players attracted players from eight states and Canada, and took place over two days in brisk fall conditions that were ideal for a long contemplative walk with both new and old friends. With high temperatures in the low sixties and harmless, overcast skies, the conditions were ideal for this layout. Set against the lush greens and vivid golds on the course, the surrounding arid hillsides of parched earth and distant hay fields slope to greet the expansive shores of the Columbia River, the very waters that fuel the infamous apple industry from which Washington State gets part of its fame. Some quick stats:
- 10-12 billion apples are harvested in Washington State each year. Each Washington apple is picked by hand. No harvest machines here.
- If you put all of the Washington State apples picked in a year side-by-side, they would circle the earth 29 times.
- About 2,500 known varieties of apples are grown in the United States. More than 7,500 are grown worldwide.
- Last year, the average U.S. consumer ate 19 pounds of fresh apples.
- Apples are the largest agricultural product grown in Washington State.
The Gamble Sands outing followed on the heels of the recent U.S. Hickory Open. We were honored to be joined by clubmaker and hickory golf advocate, Tad Moore, as well as by the reigning senior division champion at USHO, Tom Tracy. (NWHP Captain Jim von Lossow came in third at this year’s USHO.) Players this year benefitted from the new Inn at Gamble Sands, which only a year ago was nothing more than a sketch and some blueprints. The Inn is fantastic. The hospitality staff and course attendants are as highly-trained and focused on customer service, as at resorts 20 times the scale of Gamble Sands. A 80-yard 18-hole putting course is under construction on the grounds, which players anticipate enjoying at our 2017 Gamble Sands Hickory Open. Golf pro Dave Christenson and his wife, Jennifer, attended to every detail with their customary great care, including another superlative dinner after Round One with an equally well-received scotch tasting; a tradition started at our inaugural affair.
Following a recap of the rules and a welcome from the NWHP founders, players assembled on the first tee for a brief tribute Mike Just, owner of Louisville Golf, who passed away only days ago. Rob Ahlschwede and Tad Moore offered brief remembrances, followed by a ceremonial drive by Jerold Olson who likely has the last left-handed long nose club Mike built. The scene epitomized what we all love about the game – respect for one another and the spirit of camaraderie that serves as the primary attraction for golfers of extreme proficiency or otherwise. (LOL)
As the reputation of the course grows, we expect this event to fast become one of the largest in the county. In tandem with our annual event at Gearhart Golf Links in Oregon, we Northwesterners feel like we won the hickory golf lottery.
The set-up was quite fair, with most players playing from 5,631 yards and a slope index of 114. In fall conditions, players could anticipate a roll of about 20-30 yards on a well-struck drive, sometimes (in the right conditions) five-times that! Players had options on the fescue to putt from more than 100 yards, including from the tee on two downhill par threes. Generous slopes and course contouring allowed inventive types to strike shots up to 40 yards offline, letting the lay of the land assist with the outcome. Many were seen with pure delight on their faces as they learned to embrace the challenge and play the ball on the ground. It was pure fun.
Divisions were divided into Open, Senior, Ladies, and Super Senior, with pay-outs for net winners and elegant crystal decanters for the winning gross scores. Jim von Lossow deserves special praise for organizing another top-class event, especially while most others were out enjoying practice rounds and retiring to the 24-person Jacuzzi to sooth their feet. (Thanks, Jim!)
In the end, “Von” and USHO senior winner Tom Tracy tied for the senior title at 146, with Tracy prevailing in a scorecard duel due to a birdie at the par-five 18th hole. A new Open division champ emerged – none other than young Andrew von Lossow, who is eyeing a run at the pro circuit in the year ahead. Roberta Robbins took the ladies prize with a score of 180, and big Rob Ahlschwede took super senior net accolades with a net score of 124.
For many players in the Northwest, the opportunity to meet and play with Tad Moore was a special treat. Moore and Ahlschwede took the liberty to arrive a day early and stay a day later than most, something many working stiffs envied, some facing more than a six-hour commute home on Sunday. We also want to thank Canadian, Kenn Looten, for coming down, Michael Sloan from Texas, and Robb Stuart from New Mexico.
The event is booked again for next fall, so save the weekend before Columbus Day, Oct. 7-8, and have a thrill of a lifetime with some great folks!
(More from Jim von Lossow below the photographs.)
The field at the 2016 Gamble Sands Hickory Championship.
Jerold Olson with his left-handed long nose crafted by the late Mike Just.
Andrew von Lossow receives the Open Division trophy from his dad, Jim.
Jim von Lossow, center, with daughter, Hannah, and son, Andrew. “It was the first time we played hickories together. And they both live out of town so it was great to have them here.”
Tad Moore, left, Jim von Lossow, Andrew von Lossow, and Rob Ahlschwede.
From Jim von Lossow:
We here at the NWHP want to thank each one of you for participating in the 2nd Annual Gamble Sands Hickory Classic. In our second year we increased the field by 12 players. Looking forward to next year’s event, even better. The new putting green will be in place.
Our winners this year were:
OPEN Andrew von Lossow 71 – 74 145
SENIOR Tom Tracy 71 – 75 146
STATESMEN Kenn Looten 79 – 81 160
WOMEN Roberta Robbins 93 – 87 180
NET POOL WINNERS
Open
Scott Miller 135
Jimmy Bucher 135
Dave McDonald 136
Senior
Rob Ahlschwede 124
KC Harrison 131
Kit Ledbetter 132
Statesmen
Kenn Looten 134
Ole Olson 135
Larry Hardy 140
Engraved Crystal Gamble Sands Decanters were given to the top winners.
Be sure and see the NW Hickory Players Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/NWHickoryPlayers/?fref=ts
Mike Just Tribute by Tad Moore and Rob Ahlschwede
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTvEVJ_W-ME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujihYIHWCGQ
Mike Just Ceremonial Tee Shot by Ole Olson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJVi_HIaaBQ
and here: