Players at the 2015 Gearhart Hickory Classic.
Hosted by the Seattle-based Northwest Hickory Players, 30 hickory players participated in the 2015 Gearhart Hickory Classic at the historic Gearhart Golf Links (est. 1892) on the beautiful Oregon coast. A strong contingent of California players and a Texan joined us for the group’s first major event of the year.
During Friday’s practice round, we held a fun Ryder Cup-style match with Wash./Ore. against Calif./Texas with the northern side prevailing 7-3 in singles matches and 23-7 in the singles and fourball points competition. Joining us in the match was first-time hickory player “Wedgie” Winchester, a local trick-shot artist. He was matched against Rob Birman who was playing his pre-1900 longnose and other ancient implements. Wedgie entertained us after the round with all sorts of amazing golf skills. We renamed him “Niblick” Winchester.
Day 1 began with a trade show with many fine clubs and golf memorabilia for sale and for barter. The golf competition began under glowering skies, perfect Scottish weather conditions, to remind us of golf’s origins. A wee bit of wind, a wee bit of rain, and a wee bit of sunshine. The day saw some high scores on the difficult, heavily bunkered course. In the Open Division, Jim von Lossow and Steve Henneuse led the field with a 78 and a 79 respectively. In the Senior Division, Matt Nelson led with an 86 followed by Martin Pool with a 87. Liz Keeler from Oregon City led the Women’s Division with a fine 103.
Day 2 was played under smiling skies and sunshine. In the Open Division, Jim von Lossow ran away with the Open title with a steady 79. In the Senior Division, Galen Peterson came from behind with an 83 to nip three players by one stroke for the Senior title. Liz Keeler won the Women’s Division net title. Special mention goes to Stacy Brown from California who shot a fabulous 92, a mere 21 shots better than her Day 1 effort!
Open Division Winners:
Open Champion: Jim von Lossow – 157; 2nd Gross: Steve Henneuse – 169; 3rd Gross: Dave McDonald – 177
Net Champion: Devin Harmala – 136; 2nd Net: Rob Birman – 151; 3rd Net: John Quickstad – 156
Senior Division Winners:
Senior Champion: Galen Peterson – 173; 2nd Gross: Chuck McCollum – 174; 3rd Gross: Mike Kosich – 179
Senior Net Champion: Matt Nelson – 144; 2nd Net: Martin Pool – 144; 3rd Net: Steve Wilt – 149
Women’s Division Winners:
Women’s Net Champion: Liz Keeler – 143; 2nd Net: Stacy Brown – 155
Congratulations to all the winners! And a special thanks to Jason Bangild, the gracious club professional at Gearhart Golf Links, for his enthusiasm and support.
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Next year’s event will be held July 15-17.
The smooth swing of California’s Stacy Brown.