first tee group a hit at michiana hickory open

First Tee players with event hosts. From left: Jim Jeselnick, Celia Florkowski, Jessica Layman, Joe Florkowski, Spike Abernethy, and First Tee coach Jenny Zimmerman.

Aug. 29, 2020 – The course had been drenched by the previous night’s heavy rains and large puddles remained throughout the waterlogged course. It was cart paths only. This and strong winds made scoring difficult for all but a few. Open winner Mike Callahan of Michigan turned in the low score of 80 for the victory. The day began with a trade show of clubs, books and other gear in the clubhouse dining room. In a year when many events have been cancelled or postponed, it was good to get out and enjoy some great hickory golf and camaraderie. Thanks to hosts Jim Jeselnick, Spike Abernethy and the South Bend CC.

But the icing on the cake was seeing the faces on a group of youngsters from the First Tee of Indiana. The kids, some of them playing their first 18 holes ever, and with hickories!, had a great time on the course. It’s wonderful to sense their enthusiasm for both golf and for the touch of history that playing with hickories brought to their games.

Click here to see more results of this event and a gallery of photographs.