We are pleased to announce that our 8th annual Wisconsin gutty has been renamed the Keeper of The Spirit Gutty Challenge, as an homage to the late Mike Just, the original Keeper of The Spirit.

Our event was privileged to personally host Mike and Lynn in 2016., shortly before Mike passed away. We are pleased to confirm that Lynn and family members will personally attend this year’s event. In a special ceremony, Lynn will unveil the new Keeper logo.

The heart and soul of this event is the “Keeper of The Spirit” award, which honors an individual who possesses Mike’s traits, such as his love for the traditions of hickory golf. Recipients have been Tom Johnson, Jim “Wally” Koss and James “Doc” Eike. This year’s recipient has been selected and will be announced at the award presentation.

The Keeper is one of three major gutty events east of the Mississippi, along with the National and the Foxburg hickory championships.

Eagle Springs is recognized as the oldest continuously family owned course – now in its 6th generation – in the USA and was recently named by GOLF magazine as the 23rd greatest nine-hole course in the world. It’s “one-shotter” second hole is ranked among the top 10 par 3s in Wisconsin.

Thursday is an optional practice day where players call and pay the course directly. Tee times are available until 3 p.m. Thursday is often used by participants who  schedule their epic “grudge” matches.

Registration fee includes two tournament rounds, cart, special commemorative “Keeper” tee gift, awards, bottled water and snacks on the course plus Friday’s lunch buffet.

Click here for a registration form.

“Keeper” is limited to the first 36 players who register. Detailed optional hotel, group meals and non-hickory activities will be included.

We look forward to hosting you July 14.

Immediate questions and concerns can be sent to the Event Director Greg Smith at: hickorysmith500@gmail.com.

The famous par 3, No. 2. Just try to keep the darn golf ball on the green!