Jacob Orcutt, event host, reports:
The second annual Goodwin Gutty Open was contested on Sept. 29. A field of 10 gutty and three modern hickory golfers (post-gutty era clubs) enjoyed a beautiful fall day of golf at Goodwin Park Golf Course in Hartford, Connecticut.
Our modern division played the nine-hole event to a par of 36. For the modern hickory golfers, returning champion Jeremy Dill of Gaylordsville, Conn., defended his title with a low round of 42. Mark Hurlburt of East Canaan, Conn., came in second with a score of 47; and John Wimmer of Woodmere, N.Y., took home the modern senior title with a score of 50.
A strong field of 10 golfers competed in the gutty division. At a lengthy 2,544 yards and a bogie of 38, the course presented a stiff challenge for our gutty golfers. Our champion was Jeff Blomstedt of Gill, Mass., who scored a 45. Close behind was senior champion, Bill Wardwell of Turners Falls, Mass., with a 46. Behind our champions we had a three way tie for third at 53 – Roger Dionne of Hampton, Conn.; Rich Clark of Deerfield, Mass.; and Jacob Orcutt of Coventry, Conn.
Beyond our top scorers we had some notable performances and contributions from the field. Bill Conant competed with just three clubs in honor of Alexander Findlay and his historic 72 at Montrose, Scotland (1886), allegedly accomplished with three clubs as well. Christian Williams, our defending gutty champion, used a bag consisting primarily of clubs made by his own hands. Several other golfers in the field also boasted Christian’s “Wulff” clubs in their bags. Finally, a big thanks to Bill Wardwell and Chris Gilgun who provided loaner clubs to some of our new gutty golfers. More than anything, this event was a great example of what makes hickory golf so great – the friendship, kindness, and camaraderie of our hickory community.
2025 Goodwin Gutty champion Jeff Blomstedt, right, receives his prize from event host Jacob Orcutt.
The players at the 2025 Goodwin Gutty Open in Hartford, Conn.
2025 Goodwin Gutty Senior champion Bill Wardwell, right, with event host Jacob Orcutt.
Jeremy Dill, right, was the 2025 Goodwin Gutty’s champion with modern era hickory clubs.