Our friends in the Metropolitan Hickory Society returned to the Spring Lake Golf Club on June 17 for its “War at the Shore” competition. It had been on hold for a few years, but the MHS, which hosted the 2023 USHO at the Inwood Golf Club, are a resilient bunch and love playing hickories on the many historic courses in the greater metropolitan areas around New York and New England.
Their report:
Joined by old and new friends, we had a splendid time dodging bunkers and navigating Spring Lake’s interesting green complexes. There were some real sticks (no pun intended) competing so we had to bring our A-game. Jason Ross stole the show by posting an impressive 81 to win First Place gross. The rest of the prizes were claimed by the two Michaels who had an epic head-to-head battle on the back nine.
Results:
1st Gross: Jason Ross (81)
2nd Gross: Michael O’Donnell and Michael Guerrero (87)
1st Reserve: Michael Guerrero (65)
2nd Reserve: Michael O’Donnell (67)
As with so many of the outstanding venues we’re privileged to frequent, Spring Lake Golf Club is steeped in history. Originally designed by Geoge C. Thomas Jr. in 1911, the course was altered in 1918 by A.W. Tillinghast to accommodate a new clubhouse. In 1945, Bryon Nelson enjoyed a record-breaking year, winning 18 PGA tournaments out of the 30 he played, including 11 in a row. After his 11th win, but before his next start, he won $1,500 at the Spring Lake Invitational Pro-Member and made significantly more in the Calcutta Pool team auction. Nelson himself hinted that his takeaway that week was more than the $13,6000 prize money he received for winning the Tam O’Shanter. As Nelson once said, “I’ve got to get it now.” (He was saving up to buy a ranch and retire from golf… which he eventually did!)
We encourage all of our friends to join the Society of Hickory Golfers and obtain a Hickory Handicap.
Cheers in hickory,
Bill Martin & Jared Paletti
It was a welcome return to Spring Lake GC for the Metropolitan Hickory Society. A group photo was taken before the guys started the day.