Sept. 23, 2019
Indian Canyon Golf Club
Spokane, Wash.
One of the RAREST feats in golf was accomplished by eventual winner Andrew Von Lossow in Saturday’s opening round of the Spokane Hickory Open, sponsored by the Northwest Hickory Players. On Indian Canyon’s second hole, a 447-yard par five, Von Lossow holed his second shot with a jigger from 195 yards. He could see the shot the entire way as it bounced once in the center of the green, then disappeared into the cup! What a way to start the 2019 Spokane Hickory Open, its inaugural event.
The SHO hosted 35 players from Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Idaho, and Canada. Perfect early fall weather greeted the players with mild 70 temps and blue skies. Both Indian Canyon [1930] and Downriver [1916] were in beautiful condition and offered the players many tree-lined holes and greens that were smooth and true.
The entrants included eight new-to-hickory players from the local Spokane area who all were pleasantly surprised with their performance and new friends made. One fellow remarked how every single player he met during the round was a true sportsman who enjoyed the day, with no bad attitudes, no cussing, and aplomb befitting a gentleman. Now can we say that about all of us? Ha ha.
Bountiful tee gifts were handed out, a dinner following the first round, then a lively raffle to cap the evening. The play at the Downriver course on Sunday was again characterized by quality golf and camaraderie. Highlights at Downriver included a 2-under par score of 69 by Jeff Olsen; new-to-hickory Paul Murphy’s 77 which made him winner of low gross in the Super Senior division. Ladies Champion, Frances Zinger turned in a gross score of 85. Robert Robbins won the net division with birdies on 17 and 18! Andrew Von Lossow turned in his second score of 1 under par 70 to capture the overall title.
Winners;
Gross/Open Div.
SHO Champion Andrew Von Lossow 70 – 70 – 140
2nd Jeff Olsen 78 – 69 – 147
3rd Jim Von Lossow 77 – 74 – 151
Net/Open Division
Champion Erick Haglund* 59 – 66 – 125
2nd Jeff Lefferts 64 – 68 – 132
3rd Tom Carstens* 73 – 64 – 137
Gross/Senior Div.
Champion Tom Tracy 79 – 79 – 158
2nd John Henry Williams 78 – 81 – 159
3rd Dave McDonald 87 – 80 – 167
Net/Senior Div.
Champion Craig Healy 66 – 68 – 134
2nd Mark Taylor* 69 – 65 – 134
3rd Tom Kennedy 72 – 63 – 135
Gross/Super Senior Div.
Champion Paul Murphy* 86 – 77 – 163
2nd Kenn Looten 89 – 81 – 170
Super Senior Net Div.
Champion Omar Arambul 66 – 61 – 127
2nd Tom Driscoll 77 – 70 – 147
Women’s Gross Div.
Champion Frances Zinger 102 – 85 – 187
Women’s Net Div.
Champion Roberta Robbins 72 – 59 – 131
*First Time Hickory Player
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- Jeff Lefferts, left, Andrew Von Lossow, and Ryon Pitkonen were in the “albatross” group.
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- Rob Ahlschwede ponders the day.
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- Spokane foursome: Omar Arambul, left, Rob Ahlschwede, Sue Tracy, and John Henry Williams.
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- The field at the 2019 Spokane Hickory Open.
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- Jim Von Lossow presents the victor’s trophy to his son, Andrew.
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- Frances Zinger of Alberta, Canada, with Jim Von Lossow.
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- Paul Murphy, a new-to-hickory player, with Jim Von Lossow.
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- Jim Von Lossow and Tom Tracy.
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- Dave McDonald at the 2019 Spokane Hickory Open
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- Sue Tracy and John Holcombe prepare for the round.