The field at the inaugural Indiana Hickory Open, hosted by Max Hollon.
Indiana Hickory Open
Oct. 20-23, 2016
Evansville, Ind.
At the invitation of Wyandotte Hickory Organization (WHO) member Max Hollon and friends, a small contingent of Michigan WHO-ers ventured to Evansville, Ind. for the First Indiana Hickory Open scheduled for Oct. 20-23. The weather was cooperative, the company gracious, and the golf super.
It is said that Julius Caesar described his military achievements as “Veni, vidi, vici” – I came, I saw, I conquered. WHO President Bill Ellington offered his own translation – “We came with our hickories, We played with our hickories, and we had a great time with our wooden sticks. What more could you possibly ask for?” He was right of course.
The first of three rounds were played at Helfrich Hills in Evansville under a friendly and introductory “shamble” format – scoring points for bogeys, pars, birdies, and eagles. Special participant gifts were prepared by Sharon Hollon that included several golf amenities and some homemade cookies. Thank you Sharon. That made an already great day even better.
The highest point total was posted by Kelly Fraser, Joe Fallen, Joe Bodnar, and Larry Pinchback with a total of 94 points on the par 70 course. The round was celebrated with a fantastic meal, fellowship, and a libation or two at Max’s home.
On Saturday morning the adventurous gathered at Fendrich Golf Course to continue the team competition using the point system. With each player contributing their best, at times, it was Mike Harding, Buck Crowe, Mike Pishlo, and Larry (you ain’t takin’ my picture) Pinchback who emerged as leaders with a score of 127 points on the par 70 course. The day concluded with a family-style dinner at the Log Inn, where consensus described the fried chicken as the best in recent memory.
Sunday morning was back at Fendrich where individual gross and net scores became the determining factor. The day couldn’t have been prettier. Emerging from the field of 13, Bill Ellington was declared to have earned the highest point total and first place. Mike Harding was second, followed by, in order, Mike Pishlo, Larry Pinchback, Buck Crowe, and Marty Summers. Summers is a new-to-hickory-player. Low net winner was Joe Bodnar with a 62.
Max, you put together a wonderful outing. Thank you. And it is good to know that the Indiana Hickory Open is planned for next year and as an annual event in the future. WHO also welcomed two new members: Kelly Fraser and Marty Summers.
Bill Ellington, center, welcomes new WHO members: Marty Summers, left, and Kelly Fraser.