Jim Jeselnick reports:
The ninth annual Michiana Hickory Open, Sunday, Aug. 22, attracted a strong field of 39 participants from seven different states. Sponsored by The Golf Heritage Society and the Society of Hickory Golfers, this was the third year it was held at historic South Bend County Club, a 1916 George O’ Neil design. New head golf professional Greg Helkamp and his staff welcomed our group and had everything well organized. Helkamp was formerly assistant professional at the Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame where the event first started in 2012. (There was one rainout year).
Gary Wyckoff anchored the small trade show that preceded the event and participants had their pick from the ten tables. Nick Nate, a fellow GHS member and the current greens superintendent, had the golf course in immaculate condition. The greens especially tested all of the golfers skills. In the end a brand new participant, Joey Piatek, from Munster, Ind., became the new Open champion. His 79 narrowly
Bested Bert Coghill, a five-time Michiana champion, who shot an 80. Joey will have his name added to the permanent plaque that hangs in the SBCC clubhouse as well as a $50 gift certificate from the pro shop.
Low net scores for the Open division were Mike Callahan, 73; Scott Staudacher, 75; and Bert Coghill, 75. Scott won with matched score cards. In the Senior division, low net scores were Tommy Presperin, 74; Bill Tucholski, 74. Tommy won with matched score cards. Jim Hannen, 86. In the Statesman division, Mike Needleman, 70; Mike Pishlo; 72; and Roger Hill, 73. All low net participants received medals.
In the Scramble division the team of Spike Abernethy, Tom Irving, Kyle Kosand, and George Kreigbaum carded a 5 under par 67 to claim first place followed in second by Andy Irving, Carrie Irving, Robert Clements, and Irene Clements who posted 71. The third place team, with 72, was Jim McCormick, Ed Ronco, Barry Herbert, and Jim Jeselnick.
The First Tee of Indiana-Michiana fielded a Scramble team, headed by their director,
Jenny Zimmerman. They were presented with a check for $250 for their program.
Spike Abernethy, a South Bend Country Club member and great supporter of the event, presented Jeselnick with an antique hickory club that will be affixed to the permanent plaque that hangs in the clubhouse. The club was stamped with the name Bert Meyering, who was the head golf professional at SBCC early in the past century. .
Special thanks go to Ed Ronco, former president of the SoHG and a former regional director of the GHS for loaning several sets of golf clubs and to Brad Harvey, a GHS regional director who cut down a set of clubs for use by the youngsters.
First Tee at Michiana Hickory Open. From left: Jim Jeselnick, Aidan Coates, First Tee Director Jenny Zimmerman, Ashlynn Sessler, Chuck Zimmerman and Spike Abernethy.
First Tee player Ashlynn Sessler.
First Tee player Aidan Coates.
