The 13th annual Columbia Cup, offered by the Northwest Hickory Players, was held mid-July at Gearhart Golf Links on the coast of Oregon.
The Columbia Cup is named so for several reasons: the Columbia River, the first non-native ship “Columbia” that sailed into the river and named it, and the Columbia Sportswear Company, which has supported us over the years. Gearhart also happens to be the site of the 2026 U.S. Hickory Open coming in September.
Players from 55 states competed this year enjoying bright sunny days, a little wind, fog in the morning and 60-65 degree temps! Perfect weather with the sound of the waves through the days reminding us that the Pacific Coast is just “right over there.” Players found the conditions conducive to great play and even more enjoyable time spent together.
Winner of the Open Division was repeat winner Joe Johnson, who survived a sudden-death playoff for his victory. Second place went to Trey Harris, a new-to-hickory fella from Nashville, Tenn. Great to have Trey with us and great playing for a first timer.
We are all looking forward to the 14th edition of the Columbia Cup next year, again in mid-July. Exact dates will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. You all should make the trip. It is awesome… and the golf is pretty great, too!
2026 Columbia Cup Champ Joe Johnson accepts his trophy from event host Rob Ahlschwede. Be sure to click on the gallery link below to see all the photos.
Click here for a gallery of photos from this year’s Columbia Cup.
And here’s something cool, competitor Trey Harris filmed the competition and has posted a pretty cool video.
Click here to see the video on YouTube.
2026 Columbia Cup winners:
Open Division
1-Joe Johnson
2-Trey Harris
3-Luke Sulpizio
Open Net Division
1-Stephen Kyles
2-Quinn Allen
3-Shawn Baker
Women’s Division
1-Paula Anderson
2-Keegan Fitzgerald
3-Emma Guenette
Women’s Net
1-Celia Fitzgerald
2-Merri Rieger
3-Pam Rowland
Senior Division
1-Rick Pruneau
2-Andrew Myers
3-Richard Young
Senior Open Net
1-Eddie Johnson
2-Martin Pool
3-Daniel Payne
Super Senior Division
1-Kit Ledbetter
2-Jim von Lossow
3-Peter Yagi
Super Senior Net
1-Kyle Marvin
2-James Miller
3-Ed Fitzgerald