Bob Glass reports:
There’s a saying that is starting to be circulated around the Canton, Ohio, area that if “we need rain just schedule a hickory event at Clearview.” Rain is “Four for Four” with the Tri-State Hickory players and Clearview GC. But this year the golfers were the winners. With the gracious hospitality of Renee Powell and the new Clearview clubhouse and museum it was a great day to be a hickory player. After play was over hot dogs, chips, cookies and plenty of “tales” were enjoyed by all.
Renee’s father, Bill Powell, built Clearview after World War II. Renee had a hall of fame career with the LPGA and continues to golf and teach at the club.
Eleven hearty souls plied their trade with the hickory golf clubs over a wet golf course. Our Open Hickory Champion of 2023 was Rick Woeckener with 74 at the historic Clearview GC. In second was Blake Hartford with 75 (winner of the Open Net with a 73). Blake’s father-in-law to be, Rich Bubenchik, shot a round of 78 to win the Senior Open.
The real suspense happened in the Senior Net division. There, Bill Tucholski won in a tense “three-hole” scorecard playoff over Richard Strow. They had tied with Net 75s for the round. It was mentioned in passing and in good humor that Richard missed a 3-foot putt on the deciding hole.
Jeff Whittington was given our Best Dressed honors; Richard Strow had the longest drive, not on the course, but to get to the event; and Blake Hartford took closet to the pin.
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- Players at the 2023 Trials State Hickory Open.
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- Hall of Famer Renee Powell presents the award to Rick Woeckener as the Sri State Open Champion.
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- Renee Powell presents the Net Open award to Blake Hartford.
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- Bill Tucholski was the Senior Net champion
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- Rich Bubenchik was the Senior Open champion.
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- Jeff Whittington was awarded Best Dressed honors.