Jeremy Wright, left, is the 2017 Michiana Hickory Open Champion. Event host Jim Jeselnick, left, presents Wright with the permanent trophy which is displayed in the Warren Golf Course clubhouse.
Aug. 28, 2017 – South Bend, Ind.
Jeremy Wright, the new owner of Louisville Golf, won the 2017 Michiana Hickory Open golf tournament at the Warren Golf Course on the campus of Notre Dame University in South bend, Ind. Playing the course for the first time, Jeremy defeated defending champion Bert Coghill to claim the first place trophy, the $30 gift certificate, and will have his name inscribed on the permanent trophy, shown at right.
It was a lovely day for hickory golf in Indiana. Event organizer Jim Jeselnick said the field of 22 golfers, representing six different states, thoroughly enjoyed the course and got a preview of what the senior golfers will face in the 2019 U.S. Senior Open. Jeselnick, who is vice president of the Golf Collectors Society, has hosted the event for the past few years at the Warren Course. It is a combined hickory tournament for both the GCS and the Society of Hickory Golfers.
Bill Reed, Brad Baird, Jeff Warkenthien and Herbie Klineberg captured the first place medals in the Scramble competition with a 68, followed by the team of Pete Casper, Ben Srodon, Dave Viola, and Spike Abernathy. In the Senior division, Bill Tucholski carded a fine net 70, followed by Lyle Graham and Joe Mikan.
In the Open division, also getting medals were John Graham, Tim Gray (tiebreaker), and Marius Kucinas. Bill Tucholski won the Closest to the Pin competition while Marius Kucinas won the Longest Putt. All new players received an engraved Notre Dame bag tag.
There was spirited buying in the morning trade show with several members acquiring golf clubs, a golf stamp collection, and miscellaneous items.
Special thanks go to Tim Gray, the event’s official photographer, and the staff at the Warren Golf Course, especially Danielle Baiunco and Greg Helmkamp.
Michiana Hickory Open Scramble Winners, from left: Herbie Klineberg, Braid Baird, Bill Reed, and Jeff Warkenthien.
Michiana Hickory Open medal winners, from left: John Graham, first; Tim Gray, second; and Marius Kucinas, third.
Michiana Hickory Open Senior champions, from left: Lyle Graham, second; Bill Tucholski, first; and Joe Mikan, third.
Brothers, John and Lyle Graham, the Open Division champion, and runner-up in the Senior Division.