Northern Michigan’s beautiful Charlevoix region was the perfect spot for hickory golf June 16-18 and the players at the 2022 Belvedere Hickory Open took full advantage. Blue skies, sunny weather and lovely temperatures greeted the field. Rick Woeckener, who won the U.S. Hickory Open on this course in 2019, finds the 1925 William Watson-designed course suits his game to a tee. He took the Open Division title with a 152 gross score over the two-day tournament, five clear of Jeff Hunt at 157.
In the Senior Division, it was Wisconsin’s “Big Hickory,” Ernie Ernst, whose 158 was seven clear of Belvedere member Jerry Esselman’s 168. In the Super Senior contest, Michigan’s John Cova was spot on with 162, besting Tom Gallagher who posted 166. As for the Ladies, Donna Kuhn’s 196 topped Mary Jean Esselman’s 208 for the victory.
Host professional Dennis ‘Marty’ Joy had everything running perfectly, though a slightly injured back muscle prevented him from playing this year. From the practice rounds to the final toast on Saturday evening, the Belvedere Hickory Open proved once again why it is one of the consummate hickory tournaments of the season.
A group of Belvedere players surrounds champion Rick Woeckener, front and center, during the 2022 Belvedere Hickory Open. Senior Division champion Ernie Ernst is at the far left.
2022 Belvedere Scores