May 19, 2019
The first Mid American Hickory Open is in the books. Thirty-four players had a very wet, rain delayed first day. We dodged a bullet the second day, watching severe weather pass by to our north, and finished in sunshine. Thank you to the staff at Soangetaha Country Club in Galesburg, Ill. for letting us continue. You know it’s wet when your golf cart leaves a wake behind you.
In spite of the weather we had some memorable play by Bill “Ernie” Ernst winner of the Open division, George Burgland winner of the Senior, and Dan Nordstedt who won the Statesman division. The Scramble Team event was won by veteran hickory players from Des Moines, Iowa – Russ Fisher, Bill Reed, John Ausen, and John Piffer.
We welcomed eight new players to the hickory game, including two ladies. A good time was had by all, thanks to the welcoming efforts of the head pro, Kirk Hosteng, the catering staff and, of course, the bartenders. Thanks also to George Burgland, our “member” host whose contribution was essential.
Soangetaha is a great place for a hickory event. We look forward to returning in May 2020 when the club will celebrate its 125th anniversary. The plan is for a one-day gutty event in advance of the two-day modern hickory golf outing, all in honor of the early beginnings of this fine course. Soangetaha CC was founded in 1895 and the Tom Bendelow design provides a fun and challenging round of golf. Over the years, the club has hosted 10 state championships, two national tournaments, and now a Society of Hickory Golfers event.
Completed Results:
Open Division Champion, Bill “Ernie” Ernst 162 2nd Place, Rick Woedkener 169
Open Reserve Champion, Jim McGraw net 151 2nd Place, Kirk Watson net 158
Senior Division Champion, George Burgland 158 2nd Place, Bert Coghill 161
Senior Reserve Champion, Mark Larson net 139 2nd Place, John McKenzie net 143
Statesman Champion, Dan Nordstedt 188 2nd Place, Peter Herrington 212
Statesman Reserve Don Madelung
Scramble Team Russ Fisher, Bill Reed, John Ausen and Peter Piffer
Participants in the 2019 Mid American Hickory Open.
Among the eight new hickory players were Mary Burgland, left, and Elena Wetherbee.
Waiting out the rain at the 2019 Mid American Hickory Open at Soangetaha CC in Galesburg, Ill.