June 14, 2021
Pete Georgiady reports:
In the 24th edition of the NHC, gutty ball competition local player Jason Kronenberger won the Open Division. It was his third attempt. John Lavendoski was runner up and Bill Wardwell took another third place medal. Twenty-one-year-old Drew White, Arlington, Va., and product of the Washington DC First Tee Chapter won the Reserve Division (net) playing in his sixth NHC. Twenty-four players competed at the Mound Golf Course in Miamisburg, Ohio, with another 26 playing in the remote competition, including 11 in Australia.
Featheries at the National Hickory
One of the new features to the National Hickory Championship this year wasn’t truly new. It was intended to be in the 2020 edition, which was restructured by the pandemic to be totally remote. The 2021 International Feathery Challenge was also modified slightly because the international contingent from Ontario couldn’t cross the U.S.–Canadian border to participate.
The 2021 National Hickory Championship, contested over the Mound Golf Course, Miamisburg, Ohio included the postponed “IFC.” What finally took place, a year late was a 9-hole competition using authentically made feather balls. Allowing for the equipment in use, the “IFC” made several alterations from more conventional hickory play. The nine-hole course was re-sized to play at about 1,300 yards. To heighten the competitive nature of the event and observe the shorter hole lengths players were restricted to carry (without golf bags) only three clubs. Sand tees were old hat for NHC players. No touching the ball from tee to green and no mark and lift on the green. A special dress code, more early 19th century, was required for this event, which eliminated knickers. Hand-made featheries were imported from the authentic Feathery Golf Ball Co., Palmerston, Australia.
Thirteen players participated. In the end two were tied after nine holes. John Lavendoski of Bainbridge Island, Wash., and Russ Ravert of Columbia, Mo., both carded 40s and the stroke play contest was decided on the third playoff hole with Lavendoski edging Ravert by a stroke. Third place went to Billy Wardwell, Turners Falls, Mass., and Bill Fields, Fairfield, Conn., took fourth. John Crow Miller was presented with an award for the best feathery golf ensemble.
All who played thoroughly enjoyed the round and the consensus was that the NHC should continue holding a feathery side competition.
Feathery players at the 2021 NHC included, front, l to r: Billy Wardwell, Pete Georgiady, John Crow Miller, and Ross Snellings. Back row, l to r: Bill Fields, Dave Gamet, Jim Sherrill, Bob White, Dave Shultz, Don Springman, and Russ Revert. Not shown: John Lavendoski and Deal Hudson.