My Final Round Of Golf Was Outstanding
Yesterday, I hit the links for the final time in 2024. I finished the same way I started – playing hickory sticks. My friend Misha and I planned to play a round with my wooden shafted golf clubs for some time and we were finally able to make our schedules match. Misha had never played with hickories before and he was pleasantly surprised at the result. For me, it was a great way to finish the season!
Playing Renfrew Golf Course With Hickory Golf Clubs
When we arrived at the golf course, it was cool, foggy and wet. We played off the short tees (2500 yards for nine holes) and rode in a cart. I wanted this round to as enjoyable as possible for Misha as he was trying something new on his golf journey. I explained the clubs as best I could and how to hit them. Misha is a very good golfer and he understood my explanations very well judging by the results of the day.
His first drive, again into the fog, was about 215 yards down the middle. It was very cool watching his ball rocket our of sight! He was surprised at the results and the action of the clubs. Feeling heavier than his modern clubs, he was expecting a little less success off the first tee. Being a par 5 on our first shots, we were still a fair distance from the green, so we hit a six iron to put us within chipping distance on our third shots. After chipping and putting we both walked away with pars. What a great start.
We both played two balls on each hole. We were the only players on the course, so we had plenty of time to enjoy our round. I explained about the sharp leading edges, how hitting the center of the club face was critical, and about swing tempo. As we navigated around, Misha commented several times about how the old clubs responded very well when hit properly.
Putting was a bit of a challenge, but that was expected. He used a blade putter and I used a mallet; the greens were wet and long so putting was not the focus for the round.
I ensured the Misha hit every club I brought to the course (I have my set and ones Lorne Emery gave me to introduce players to hickory sticks). Sometimes we would stop at distances just to hit the longer clubs. Hitting the ball off the fairway with a wood was challenging. It is for me as well, but we tried it anyway. As I said earlier, Misha makes solid contact most of the time, hence his iron play was very good. After playing the nine holes, I assess that his best clubs were the 6-iron off the fairway/rough and chipping with the jigger. Regardless of which iron he hit, though, the ball sailed through the air with ease.
Overall, it was a fantastic round of golf and a great way to end my 2024 golfing season. I enjoyed introducing Misha to hickories and he is keen on joining my friend Charlie and I next season during the Golf Historical Society’s Northern Hickory Tour and perhaps other hickory days.
Another golf season is in the books. I am preparing for next year…..well, thinking about it anyway. I had a fantastic season with lots of fun golf with my great friends while played many great courses. Life is good and I am grateful!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
