Dark clouds threatened golfers during one or two points during the 2025 Keeper of the Spirit Gutty Challenge this year (July 17-18) but only a few drops splashed harmlessly about the historic Eagle Spring golf course. The rest of the time was spent chasing gutties over a charming layout through the hills and valleys of this great Wisconsin location.
Greg Smith, the congenial host of this event, annually dedicated to the memory of Mike Just, the former Louisville Golf owner who did so much to popularize hickory golf, was pleased with the turnout of 24 players from several states. After the dust had settled and the players gathered in the pavilion in front of the rustic Eagle Springs clubhouse, Greg went to work with announcements and awards.
It’s not everyone who can maneuver a gutty ball around a course with the pre-1900 sticks, but some have proved they are quite up to the task. Rob Retslauf, for example, turned in a 78 the first day and followed that up with a 73 to earn first in the Open Division, named for Mike Just. Bill Ernst went 82-79, good enough for first in the Senior Division (named for Ed Ronco). Deal Hudson was not far off their pace, shooting 86-85 for the Statesman Division (Named for Frank Boumphrey) title.
As for the always thrilling contest for net honors, George Galligan posted a net 148 for the Open Reserve title (Lynah Sherrill Division). For the Seniors (Eric Wolke Division), it was Tom Gassner with 156. And the top net Statesman (Chuck Cole Division) went to Don Madelung with 158.
These gentleman were treated with a variety of awards from plaques and trophies to a most interesting golf tool box decorated with a vintage poster.
At this point, Greg Smith turned the floor over to Joey Piatek, current president of the Society of Hickory Golfers (who came in second in the Open Division). Joey had a special presentation to make and wanted to do it at this event because he knew its recipient would not be available during the U.S. Hickory Open where it is customarily announced.
In his introduction, Joey said that the honoree “knows that hickory golf is more than just a game we play, it’s a game that connects us socially and enriches all our lives.”
It was a pleasure to see this award, which represents all the SoHG stands for, be given to Bill ‘Ernie’ Ernst for 2025. Ernie has done much, both in Wisconsin and for hickory golf in general, to be most worthy of this award. (Click here to see Joey’s entire announcement and Ernie’s many accomplishments.)
The second honor, this event’s annual “Keeper of the Spirit Award” was presented by Greg Smith to Jim Davis, the Society’s executive director, to honor his efforts on behalf of the Society and hickory golf in general.
Thankfully Davis, known to be a wordy individual, was brief, because root beer floats with a dose of Irish brandy were waiting. It’s always good fun when the Wisconsin hickory players and their friends come together for a round. Golf, too.
Click on any photo below to page through the gallery.
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- The group of gentlemen golfers at the 2025 Keeper of the Spirit Gutty Challenge.
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- Cal Whitman brings good fun wherever he goes. Here he cracks up the owners of the Eagle Springs Resort.
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- Cal Whitman, left, with Jeff Browning and Don Madelung.
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- Wally Koss signaling for more birdies.
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- Janet Whitman shares the secrets of her husband, Cal’s, success.
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- Deal Hudson, left, and Mike Brown share a laugh after the day’s round of gutty golf.
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- Cal Whitman, left, and Greg Smith. No men of greater stature in all of hickory golf.
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- Greg Smith congratulates Rob Retslauf on his championship.
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- Mike Brown, left, was given a memento of his 2025 visit to the Keeper of the Spirit Gutty Challenge.
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- Well, somebody’s got to do it.
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- SoHG president Joey Piatek, left, with Bill ‘Ernie’ Ernst, the 2025 Mike Brown Award recipient.
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- The 2025 Keeper of the Spirit honoree Jim Davis, left, with event host Greg Smith.
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- Ernie Ernst, left, Joey Piatek and Rob Retslauf relax after their battles on the golf course.
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- Looking enormously pleased with himself, Jim Davis, left, poses for the camera with Cal Whitman, who knows well not to take anything too seriously.
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- The very dapper Greg Smith of Alabama.
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- A few last putts and time to go home.