A pig, a Friday night tradition and a legendary golf course.
Ernie Ernst reports:
It took the 36th hole of the two-day event (Aug. 26-27) for the 2022 Wisconsin Hickory Open Champion to be determined at Lawsonia on the Links course. With a tie in place between Peter Flory and Ohio’s Rick Woeckener and a heavy rain storm coming in, it was a score card playoff that determined the outcome, with Peter edging Rick.
In the Senior Division, Steve Simer came out of the gates fast after a crack 75 on the first day but was closely followed by eventual Champion Dan Moore who shot a 77 on day one. It did not take Dan long to catch Steve on day two – he just never let up with a relentless string of pars to shoot an excellent 74.
In the Legends (often called the Super Seniors) Division, Master Chef Jim Griffen was one stroke behind first day leader Werner Kolln from Iowa who posted a 79. Mr. Griffen shot an 80 and followed it up with an 85 on day two to win, outlasting Ken Holtz who finished second.
This year’s Women’s Division Champion was Lisa Bengston.
Thursday’s practice round was overshadowed by the anticipation of the Thursday night pig roast put on by Legends Champ Jim Griffen. This writer would like to thank all the Wisconsin hickory guys who, when the call went out to help with tables, chairs, food and drink, all stepped up to the plate to make our out-of-town guests feel so welcome. It was a great evening, a wonderful time to catch up with old friends and an outstanding feed.
After golf, as is a tradition in Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Hickory Open, we all sat down for the traditional Friday night all-you-can-eat fish fry at Lawsonia. If you went away hungry it was your own choice. After a fine meal there was a fire down at the cabins and some live music, compliments of our own Jared Beggs, who just happened to bring his guitar.
Saturday started with wonderful weather but storm clouds were on the horizon. After a course forced rain delay, many players chose not to go back out in the rain to finish the round after the lightening had past. Those who did were treated to a proper nine holes of Scottish weather and as usual the Links course held its own against anything mother nature threw at her.
Thank you to all the participants and guests who attended this year. It was the most competitive field we have had in all divisions. Golf was great and the social gatherings are always a highlight of this event. Next year’s event is Sept. 21-22-23, so please do make plans to join us.
Results
Open
Peter Flory 158 (scorecard playoff)
Rick Woeckener 158
Brad Hill 159
Open Net
Jeff Guerard 142
Keith Hanson167
Senior Open
Dan Moore 151
Steve Simer 158
Bert Coghill 163
Senior Net
Ed Horvat 148
George Burgland 151
George Galligan 156
Legends Open
Jim Griffen 165
Ken Holtz 169
Werner Kolln 170
Legends Net
Joe Guerard 150
Fred Boetcher 150
Cal Whitman 151
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- The official banner of the Wisconsin Hickory Open.
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- Participants at the 2022 Wisconsin Hickory Open.
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- The legendary ‘boxcar’ hole, No. 3, on the Links Course at Lawsonia.
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- Dan Norstedt nails a long one.
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- Ken Holtz, left, gets a lesson on sand tees from Cal “The Striker” Whitman.
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- Women’s champ Lisa Bengston with her husband and caddy, Jacob.
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- Peter Flory, the 2022 Wisconsin Hickory Open champ drives off.
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- The club swap, a feature of the Wisconsin Hickory Open.
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- Master Chef Jim Griffen and Legends Division Champion who got up at 3 a.m. to prepare the pig roast.
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- Everyone at the picnic enjoying Mr. Griffen’s efforts.
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- From left: Joe Guerard, Legends Net first place; Ed Horvat, Senior Net first place; Jim Griffen, Legends Champion; and Ken Holtz, Legends second place.
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- Open Division Champs. From left: Rick Woeckener, second place; Peter Flory, Champion; Brad Hill, third place; and Jeff Guerard, first place net.
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- George Galligan, who finished in third place net in the Senior Division, receives his medal from Doc Eike.