July 24, 2018
Reported by the Northwest Hickory Players
This was the 5 annual event on the Oregon coast at the 126-year-old classic course. The group was pleased to welcome players from seven states, including Tad Moore from Alabama and Bill Geisler from Florida. A good contingent of our California friends as well as players from Idaho, Arizona, Oregon and Washington joined in as well. As the event and the course grow in popularity in the hickory world, it just gets better every year. It’s always a treat to have players traveling from across the nation to join in the fun.
Jim von Lossow returned to the Open division to regain the title of Gearhart Hickory Classic Champion with a two stroke victory over fellow PGA professional Gabe Tonan. Californian Kris Surano won the Senior division over Tom Tracy after a one-hole playoff; Tom Driscoll was the Super Senior champ and Sandy Bucher earned the Woman’s winning medal.
The Gearhart Hickory was played in typical Northwest Coast temperatures – 60s-70s – with early morning fog giving way to bright sunny blue skies, with breezes coming off the Pacific making the days pleasant and comfortable. The course was in great shape, the greens rolling true and the fairways firm and fast. A truly great weekend.
One new twist for the tournament was playing the practice round as a four-ball with teams matched by handicap. Many players enjoyed the format as everyone got to play all the shots and most of the matches were pushed right to the final few holes. Other highlights of the weekend was spending time at Gearhart’s new 20,000-square-foot putting course and relaxing at the nearby pub/halfway house. Getting to use the newly opened virtual golf room was intriguing aspect of the new building project at the course.
Winners in the net divisions were Bill Geisler–Open Net; Peter Yagi–Senior Net; Pam Rowland–Women’s Net; and Ray Tokareff–Super Senior Net.
We look forward to the 2019 Gearhart Classic, scheduled for July 19, 20 and 21. Save the date!!