May 22, 2018
Soangetaha CC
Galesburg, Ill.
James “Doc” Eike reports: Since its inception, the All American Hickory Open has been contested at such distinguished courses as Downers Grove Golf Course (original location of the old Chicago Club) and Rock Island Arsenal GC, but this year it was played for the first time at the private course of Soangetaha Country Club. When the Arsenal course in Rock Island was unsure of its ability to host us this year, George Burgland, a member and participant in the 2017 AAHO at the Rock Island Arsenal GC, suggested we move it to his home course in Galesburg, Ill. From the participation of 34 players (including 7 members of the club and new to hickory golf) and feedback from the group, it was an excellent choice. Not only did the history of the club fit the bill – it was established in 1895 as a 9-hole course, and expanded to 18 holes by Tom Bendelow in 1923 – but the course itself was completely welcoming to both pre- and post-1900 play.
Here are the results. Photos of the scoreboards are posted below.
Pre-1900 (Gutty) Divisions
· Park: Gross Champion – Bill “Ernie” Ernst (154); Net Champion – Chris Palar (136)
· Senior: Gross Champ – Chris Hardy (153); Net Champ – Jeff Browning (121)
· Statesman: Gross Champ – Dan Norstedt (157); Net Champ – Frank Rosenweig (138)
Pre-1935 Divisions
· Open: Gross Champ – J.C. Wise (167); Net Champ – Randy Renaud (166)
· Senior: Gross Champ – George Burgland (161); Net Champ – John McKenzie (146)
· Statesman: Gross Champ – John Piffer (166); Net Champ – Bill Reed (152)
