GHSC News Item: August 11, 2023 – Ontario Open Hickory Golf Championship (2023) Reported by: the Championship Organizing Committee (Head Organizer: Bob West, Lorne Emery, Allan Lew and George Supol).

On Saturday September 30 and Sunday, October 1 2023, GHSC will host the first annual Ontario Open Hickory Golf Championship. This new two-day Championship seeks to identify the overall “Ontario Hickory Golf Champion.” In addition, this GHSC bedrock event will provide a basis of friendly competition for all GHSC members and guests who wish to participate in 2023 and in future years.

Last year’s Fall Classic was the precursor to the new Championship. The same two golf courses are being used—Whirlpool Golf Course in Niagara Falls (on Saturday) and Sawmill Golf Course in Fenwick (on Sunday). These two Ontario courses are recognized by the Championship Organizing Committee as providing appropriate challenges to hickory golfers of all skill levels.

Below are other important points about the new Championship.

New Trophy

A new permanent trophy has been ordered for the Championship. The overall winner will have the lowest gross score over two days of play. The winner will be allowed to retain temporary possession of the trophy in their place of residence or work until one week before the start of the following year’s championship. The annual winner’s name will be engraved on the trophy.

Prizes and Tees

The overall Ontario Hickory Golf Champion will have the lowest gross score over the two days. In the event of a tie, a playoff will be held. The overall Champion can come from any of the four divisions, as noted below.

There will also be both gross and net prizes for each player division—Open, Senior (55-69), Legends (70+), and Ladies. Net prizes will be based on official handicaps (Golf Canada Hickory or Modern). Official handicaps of other recognized golfing jurisdictions will also be allowed for net prizes. Accordingly, Stableford scoring will not be used. 

Open, Senior and Legends divisions all play from the same set of tees (approx. 5,200 yards). Ladies will play from a shorter set of tees when available.

Primary gross and net prizes will be awarded to players who play both days. Depending on registrations, secondary prizes may be awarded by the Organizing Committee to players who play only one day.

Getting a Hickory Handicap from Golf Canada

To establish a Golf Canada hickory handicap, if you are a Golf Historical Society of Canada member, it is free. Golfers new to handicapping will only need a minimum of three 18-hole scores (or equivalent combination of 9-hole scores). Score must be entered using the hole-by-hole score entry. Members who have not yet established a Hickory Handicap may contact Barbara Allan, GHSC Handicap Chair (ballan1052@gmail.com), to get registered in the Golf Canada Score Centre.

Registration 

Players may register to play one (Saturday or Sunday) or both days.

Registration fees are $180 CDN for two days’ play, or $100 CDN for one day’s play. This price covers both green fees and prizes. Power carts are extra (pay at pro shop) and may be reserved during online registration. 

Related Links

Here is a map which shows the locations of the two golf courses used for the Championship.

Additional information may be found on our EVENT REGISTRATION PAGE.

Here is a link to the OFFICIAL FLYER for the Championship.

Here is a link to the Society of Hickory Golfers (SOHG) website advertising the Ontario Open Hickory Golf Championship.