Event #14 — Humber Valley GC — Etobicoke ON — October 7, 2019

The First Annual GHSC/CITY OF TORONTO HICKORY TOURNAMENT took place Monday, October 7, 2019 at the historic city course of HUMBER VALLEY (1921).

The weather gods cooperated providing a pleasant autumn day and the course itself was in excellent condition. The golf and camaraderie was as good as it gets. Playing at 5,155 yards from the white tees the venue was perfect for hickory golf, especially as over half the participants were first-time hickory players. From a GHSC perspective, the day was extremely successful as we hoped to increase our exposure to the public through the City of Toronto social media promotions and generate interest in hickory golf with city golfers.

Both experienced and first time hickory players were quick to express their satisfaction with the event and support of a renewed effort next year at a different city course. As the City of Toronto manages five courses it looks like we will have some entertaining golf ahead of us in the upcoming years. One of the highlights of the day was watching young Jazper Zajac navigate the course with veteran pose and skill , much beyond his years. Apparently Jazper has had some success in competitive matches and it was a joy watching him master the hickories.

As for results…we were all winners on this day, however prizes were given out to the team of Russ Bajurny, Steve Hardacre, Jon Mckendrick & George Supol which turned in the lowest score of -10. David Spylo won the Closest to the Pin contest and Neil “Hickory” Zwucher won the longest putt event.

I would like to thank the City of Toronto managers Goran Mitrevski, and Danny Coote and their staff and Mike Dale and Rick Marsh and their Humber Valley Course staff for their help and cooperation. And from the society, Stan Lapidus for his work as registrar and event photographer. Everyone was a pleasure to work with.

In appreciation, on behalf of the Golf Historical Society, I presented Rick Marsh with a 1920’s hickory Mashie bearing the stamp “HUMBER VALLEY TORONTO” mounted on a wall plaque, for their clubhouse.

Thanks to all who participated,
Hope to see you again next year.

Dave Blocksidge
GHSC Director

Thanks to our photographers for the day, Stan Lapidus (mainly), with some help from Lorne Emery and Russell Dick.