The Wisconsin Hickory Golfers are pleased to again offer the Pay It Forward  Hickory Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, July 29, at Thornberry Creek at Oneida (W. Green Bay). This marks the 9th annual event.

The day is dedicated to gutty hickory golf, legendary tales, lunch, a wee nip or three, guaranteed laughter, and unequalled camaraderie. We are pleased to confirm that, once again, Jenn Conger Koss  has gracefully agreed once to serve as our event photo historian.

Since 2014, “Pay It Forward” has hosted hickory golf enthusiasts from throughout Wisconsin, the Midwest, Arizona and Tennessee. In addition, local celebrities and Packers have participated. 

Players pay respective green fees directly to the course. The balance of activities is “Pay It Forward.” Wisconsin Hickory Golfers believe that one good deed deserves another. Many community and school organizations have benefited throughout our communities. 

This year, our enhanced format offers:

THREE HICKORY DIVISIONS

1. Gutty Open Challenge Championship.
Pre-1900 smooth face clubs, McIntyre Park ball, sand tees, and “play the ball down”. The champion receives a limited edition fine bone China putter (playable) made by Heritage St. Andrews.

2. Gutty or Traditional Hickory.
Play gutty or traditional hickory 1901-1935 (as characterized by Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen),  McIntyre Braid ball and “play the ball down” with your choice of  sand or wooden tees. Winners receive priority selection of priceless prizes. 

3. Traditional Hickory Scramble. Nine or 18 holes. Shared carts.
Ideal for lads and laddies who want to just “give it a go.” Groups can be mixed gender. Play traditional hickory clubs (free shared sets available) with a modern soft compression ball. Wooden tees and lifting your ball on the green are acceptable. Scramble groups will tee off last (so no one is going to watch you!). Winners receive priority selection of priceless prizes. 

Everyone plays Thornberry Creek’s original 9-hole hickory-friendly Iroquois course. Go around twice. Red buckets designate the teeing area the first time around and yellow buckets, the second.  No hole will play the same. Guaranteed. 

Our superintendent and his staff have been most supportive and have agreed to cut holes in front of the regular greens.  This replicates the approximate green speed at 5-6, similar to when Jones-Hagen played. 

Most walk, but carts (required for the scramble) are available at additional cost. The  course is relatively flat and ideal for a good walk, unspoiled.

A few details:

Clubhouse opens at 7. Chipping-practice putting green is included. Pay your green fee and gather by the first tee at 8:15 followed by a brief orientation.

Following your round, it’s a 3 minute drive to Jim and Judy Koss’ home. Our Master of Ceremonies, Teddy Stevenson, will collect your attested scorecards.

Please bring your own refreshments and if you wish, a chair. 

Lunch will be served early afternoon. Bring your hunger because the main course is BBQ.

Later, gather for the iconic  group photo and awards presentation. 

Following, Teddy  announces the priceless prize lottery sequence. Everyone wins a priceless prize, fraturing Part II of the Murphy Collection and Ryder Cup memorabilia.   Stay and enjoy the camaraderie or feel free to head home. 

REGISTRATION

There is no official form. Confirm whether you will compete for the Gutty Open Championship, gutty or traditional hickory division or scramble. Also, let us know if you are participating in the OPTIONAL 333 Sunday event.

Jim “Wally” Koss
Wallywinsagain@gmail.com
920-655-2961. 

Those who played last year,  as well as VIP, are guaranteed slots through May 15. 

Please let Wally know ASAP in the event you are unable to play this year.

Available slots,  if any, will be announced May 16.  We expect another “sold out” event.

OPTIONAL SUNDAY 

Our third annual Three Centuries of Auld Gowf begins at 8:33 a.m. Low net determines the Champion.  Scratch. Age does not matter. For the record, Dave Long won the inaugural 2021 challenge and Tom Kerckhove is the defending champ.

Hole yardages are adjusted for the respective era and ball. Carry 3 clubs, two of which must be wood. 

Play three holes with the Lane Feathery (sand tees); three with the Braid or Park gutty (sand tees); and three with a modern soft compression ball (sand or wooden tees). Following the round, gather on the clubhouse patio for the trophy presentation and group photo.

Feel free to hit the road or enjoy lunch (on your own) and the scenic view. 

HOTEL
Most stay at the Bay Motel & Restaurant.  The hotel is 6 miles (11 minute drive) from Thornberry.  The motel is in a quiet neighborhood with many popular restaurants nearby. The owners do not engage in price gouging and you’ll get  the lowest room rate by calling directly:  920-494-3441.

Senior Living magazine article about the 2022 Pay it Forward Challenge.

Senior Living magazine article about the 2022 Pay it Forward Challenge, second page.

Putter sword fight. No blood was spilled or hickory golfers harmed in the making of this photo.

A group effort to gain a point.