Rob Ahlschwede reports:
The Northwest Hickory Players’ 9th Gearhart Hickory Classic welcomed 57 players from 10 states and Alberta in Canada. We played two rounds over the Gearhart Golf Links in beautiful weather on the Oregon coast. Weather? – mid 60s with some early fog and bright sunshine. Kinda windy on the first day as the scores indicated, but still two great days of golf at Gearhart!
This year’s champion is Ben Plaunt of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (80/79). Second in the Open Division was Chris Chappell of Austin, Texas; and third was Stephen Henneuse of California. Net winner was Jeff Groshell; second was Jim Bucher; and third net was Brian Free who also won a closet-to-the-pin on No. 4, laying it within 10 inches.
In the Ladies Division, the Champion was Paula Anderson; second was Sandy Bucher; and the Net winner was Lisa McGowan. We missed Roberta Robbins as she was sidelined with a fractured femur.
Ed Fitzgerald was the Senior Division Champion. Second went to Don Jackson and third was Ed Horvat. Net winner was John Quickstad with Dave Britt in second and Martin Pool in third.
Super Senior Champion was John Henry Williams with Peter Yagi in second and Dennis Scott in third. The Net winner was Floyd Lockie,, with Buck Barrie n second and Kyle Marvin in third. Note that Buck was also honored as the low player over the age of 80.
One of the highlights of the final round occurred with the arrival of the elk herd. These are large animals, people. A good number showed up, appearing to favor the area around No. 13. Made that hole even tougher. After a short chase by the grounds staff play was continued. Such fun “at the beach.”
Next year will be the 10th Gearhart Hickory Classic and plans are already underway to make it the best yet. Hard to beat this one, but we will give it a try!!
Photographer Jimmy Bucher took a great many shots and they are good ones. A few are below.
Click here for a gallery of the rest. It’s worth a visit.
Golf’s done; time to relax and share a few stories.
Celebrating the day after the 2023 Gearhart Classic.
NWHP host Rob Ahlschwede presents 2023 Gearhart champ Ben Plaunt with the trophy.