The clubhouse at Gearhart Golf Links from the 17th fairway.
July 14, 2020 – Gearhart, Ore.
by Rob Ahlschwede
Thirty-one players met for the 8th annual Gearhart Hickory Classic. Covid-19 kept the entries down from the usual 45+players, but contestants found the weather near perfect with partly cloudy skies, temps in the 60s early, breaking into the 70s by mid afternoon. Evenings cool with dew and maybe a drizzle did not keep the greens from running to 13 on the first day and 12 on the second. Those fast greens were rolling true and the rest of the course in the best condition.
Many players were challenged by the speed of the greens both in putting and making approach shots to the slick surfaces, as well as the tall fescue in the rough. These challenges caused some elevation in the scoring but the competition remained keen and most players indicated it was another fine Gearhart Hickory Classic. No sign of the elk herd this year. They must have been off scouting greener pastures, or social distancing. Usually the elk add a bit of excitement as they amble across the course mid-round.
Eventual winner and new champion was Gabe Tonan from Port Townsend, Wash., who shot a fine 74/81 for a 155 total. Second place went to Jeff Olsen, the defending champ from Shoreline, Wash. Jeff shot 78/80 to finish at 158. It should be noted that first-time hickory player, Sean Free, playing with a borrowed set shot 86/82 for the third place total of 161.
In the Ladies Division, Roberta Robbins was crowned the champion and Sandy Bucher as runner up. First-time player Emma Guenette finished third.
In the Senior Division, John Henry Williams finished with an 88/75 for 163. Besides doing spectacular club restoration work, he can play! Runner-up was Peter Yagi with 177, followed by Bill Pedersen at 178.
The Super Seniors were led by champion Dennis Scott at 179, followed by Tom Driscoll with 181 and Mike Kosich at 187.
Defending U.S. Hickory Open Champion Rick Woeckener traveled all the way from Ohio, presumably to check the 2021 U.S. Hickory Open venue, and happily, he played well after all the travel. It was great to have Rick with us to celebrate this annual event.
2021 will find the Gearhart Hickory Classic on hiatus as the Northwest Hickory Players are scheduled to host the SoHG’s U.S. Hickory Open at Gearhart, Sept. 12-14. Check out the NW Hickory Players Facebook page and their website for photos of this year’s play to see the beauty of the Gearhart Golf Links to get a taste of what you may face if you choose to enter in ’21. We look forward to hosting the Society for the 14th U.S. Hickory Open.
Coming up the 18th fairway at Gearhart Golf Links.