The 2011 Belvedere Hickory Open was nearly washed away as a slow moving low pressure system decided that Charlevoix, Mich., would be its home for a two-week vacation. Rain fell in buckets. Flooding was severe on several holes of the front nine, causing Belvedere pro Dennis Joy to remark that he had never seen his beloved course under so much water. The creek rose precipitously. A bridge over it on one fairway was nearly swept away by the enraged torrent. A small lake formed behind the second green and well into the dogleg corner of No. 6 causing several local waterfowl to consider long-term residence.
The first day’s play on Friday, carefully calculated to avoid fleeting rain showers, was an abbreviated one of 10 holes. Traveling from North Carolina, Chris Deinlein and Bill Engelson and their patient spouses looked askance at those who had spoken glowing words of Charlevoix’s beautiful weather and sparkling lakes. They were somewhat soothed on Saturday as the sun returned to travel cloudless, blue skies. It was a gorgeous day. The course drained rapidly so that all holes were playable, though a bit soggy in some parts. Players were treated to some fine golf on one of the hickory golf tour’s most enjoyable courses. Fred Muller, head pro at Crystal Downs in Frankfort, Mich., took championship honors. Rick Frank was runner up. In the Sam Snead Flight (59 and under, gross), Dennis Joy prevailed followed by Scott Staudacher. In the Tommy Armour Flight (59 and under, net), the winner was Robert Caston, runner up was Todd Collins. In the Walter Hagen Flight (60 and over, gross), the winner was Chuck McMullin, runner up was Dr. Jim Gels. In the Horton Smith Flight (60 and over, net) the winner was Roger Hill, runner up was Jim Davis. Finally, in the Gene Sarazen Flight (70 and over), the gross winner was Bob Sippell, with Bill Lawson taking the net trophy. As always, the members of the Belvedere Club proved delightful, generous hosts who made everyone feel right at home. Great thanks go to them and to Dennis Joy and his staff who hosted a fine event under initially trying circumstances.