By Jim Davis
It was hot and dry at the 2023 NHC, just the way that gutty players like it. The brown fairways were fast, the greens brutal and the after-golf conversations, as always, spiced with bitter acceptance and sweet reminiscence.
Twenty-four players from around the Midwest and further afield came to test the hills and plateaus that are the Mound Golf Course in Miamisburg. Many of these are NHC loyalists whose fealty, like Ross Snelllings, dates back some 26 years. Others, like Tom Johnson or John Crow Miller, have only missed one, at most two, of this unique gutty ball championship.
Czar Peter Georgiady, he whose word is law regarding equipment, manner of play and even dress, was the most cordial of hosts. Unfortunately, the good man hurt his wrist on the first day of the tournament and had to withdraw, but the injury did not diminsh his store of boundless energy and good will.
Jason Kronenberger, a young golf professional from Dayton, shot a two-day 159, to continue his dominance of gutty golf championships with a masterly seven-stroke victory over Mike Craig of Red Bank, Tenn. Since 2021, Jason has won two NHC titles and two Foxburg Hickory Championship titles.
In an interview with Tom Johnson (host at Foxburg), Kronenberger said he considers gutty golf “the most authentic way to play golf – it is shorter, harder, requires fewer clubs and greater imagination to use them.” (We paraphrased a wee bit.) He has certainly proved that he excels in the latter category. Your correspondent witnessed firsthand Mr. Kronenberger’s crisp shotmaking and deadly approach shots.
We seem to recall there had years ago been a tradition of “retiring” a trophy following a certain number of consecutive years that it had been won. Young Tom Morris comes to mind. Caty Goidel’s name must surely be considered in this category, as with 2023 she has now won the women’s title 11 times since 2000, five times in succession from 2005-09. We hereby petition the Czar to look for a new Cup for future champions and allow Ms. Goidel possession of a trophy she has surely come to think of as her own.
Here’s a brief competition recap of the 2023 NHC:
- Open division – 1) Jason Kronenberger; 2) Billy Wardwell
- Reserve Division – 1) Glen Fast; 2) Bob West
- Women’s Division – 1) Caty Goidel
- Sporting Division – 1) Jimmy Sherrill; 2) Emily Moth
- Vintage Division — 1) Dirk Wonnell
- International Feathery Challenge – 1) Billy Wardwell; 2) Bill Fields
Click here for a PDF of complete results.
Those interested in 19th century style tweed caps should contact Mike Kinney directly at mkinney1835@yahoo.com.
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- The International Feathery Challenge players. Front from left: Nicholas Chmielewski, Bern Bernacki, Mike Kinney, Bill Wardwell, and Pete Georgiady. Back from left: Dave Gamet, Chris Gilgun, Russ Ravert, Bill Fields, Ross Snellings, and Mark Brown.
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- Feather players Bern Bernacki, left, Nick CHmielewski, and Russ Ravert.
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- In the Open Division were Bern Bernacki, left, Scott Staudacher, and Bill Wardwell.
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- Mark Brown, left, and Russ Ravert shake hands following a closely fought match.
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- Mike Kinney offers a tune on a “short set” of bagpipes.
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- NHC “Czar” Pete Georgiady, left, congratulates Cody Ruffing on his great hickory play.
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- The National Hickory Championship trophies.
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- 2023 NHC Champions Caty Goidel, left, and Jason Kronenberger.