The Wisconsin Hickory Golfers invite you to our 10th annual Pay It Forward Gutty Challenge on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Thornberry Creek at Oneida, a gutty-friendly Iroquois course. The day is dedicated to gutty golf, legendary tales of yore (some true), BBQ lunch, iconic photos, wee nips, prizes for all, and unequalled camaraderie. Our invaluable photo historian, Jennifer Koss Conger, has once again agreed to return.

Since 2014, Pay It Forward has hosted fun-loving gutty golf enthusiasts from throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, and Arizona.  In addition, local celebrities and Packers have attended. Pay It Forward is simple.  Players pay their green fees directly to the course and, other than wee nips, bring their own beverages to the gathering. Everything else is included: BBQ lunch, iconic group photo, awards, and the highlight, priceless prizes for all.

Pay It Forward believes that one good deed deserves another. Proceeds have benefited numerous charitable causes, as determined by each individual participant.  There is no boundary, some choose financial while others prefer acts of kindness or both.

THREE CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISIONS
Period dress is strongly encouraged since it adds to the fun and authenticity. Banned items are modern (post 1950) sport caps and minus-fours (aka shorts).

1. PARK
Park ball, pre-1910 gutty clubs, sand tees and play the ball down.  Defending champion, Ernie Ernst.

2. BRAID
Braid or Vardon Flyer ball, pre-1910 gutty clubs, sand  tees and play the ball down. Defending champion, Keith Hanson.

3. TRADITIONAL SCRAMBLE
Scramble is traditional hickory, not gutty. Taylor soft compression ball, 1910-1935 hickory clubs, sand or wood tees, lifting ball on greens is acceptable. Ideal for those “new to hickory” and mixed gender teams.

Complimentary loaner sets available (30 day advance notice please.)

IROQUOIS 9-HOLE COURSE
Course is hickory-friendly. Players go around twice. No hole will play the same the second time around. The course superintendent and his team cut holes in front of the regular greens.  This simulates the green speed of 5-6 similar to when Jones-Hagen played.

WALK OR RIDE
Most walk (scramble teams ride). Course is relatively flat and ideal for a good walk unspoiled (regrets to Mark Twain).

GROUP PHOTO, AWARDS, FOOD, AND PRICELESS PRIZES
It’s a three minute drive to our hosts’ home, Jim/Wally and Judy Koss. Our dapper Master of Ceremonies, Teddy Stevenson, collects your completed score cards and orchestrates the afternoon activities. Following a BBQ buffet prepared by Chef Connor Dunning, gather for the iconic group photo, awards presentation and  prizes for all.

REGISTRATION
There is no official form. Message directly to Wally. Indicate  your selected division and if you need a complimentary loaner set.

Jim WALLY Koss – wallywinsagain@gmail.com.    920-655-2961

Those who played last year and veteran VIPs are assured slots through April 1. Available slots will be confirmed at that time. Please register ASAP since we expect another “sold out” event.

HOTEL
While there is no official group hotel, most have stayed successfully at the Bay Motel & Restaurant. The hotel is family owned and does not engage in price gouging. In fact, June reservations won’t open until early next year. You’ll get the lowest rate by calling direct: 920-494-3441.

SUNDAY IS OPTIONAL
Our 5th annual AULD GOWF CHALLENGE allows three clubs, two of which must be wood.

Fun-loving but competitive participants play six holes of featheries with the Lane ball; six holes with the Park, Braid or Vardon Flyer; and six with the Taylor soft compression ball.  Hole yardages are adjusted for the respective era and ball. One division, net. Past champions include Dave Long, Dan Norstedt, Tom Kerckhove and the defending champion, Mel “OTM” Niewenhuis.