Washington Classic Invitational Inaugural Event 2021

[jbucher]

 The Washington Classic Invitational inaugural event was played on October 23 at Mount Si golf course in North Bend, Washington. This event is a brainstorm between Gilles “Goose” Guenette and Jimmy “The Butcher” Bucher, 2 players from the North West Hickory players group. Goose and I had been discussing it since last Spring. We decided to have it after the US Hickory open that took place in September. The Open done and over with we set about getting it organized.

 A 16-player field with clubs from the 1930s to mid-80s were the loose rules. Steel shafts wood heads. Irons from the above years were good to go. We had a set of mid to late 30s Bobby Jones to a set of Ping.  Wilsons seemed to be the Iron of choice for over half the participants.

 Mount Si golf course from the white tees plays 6092 yards with a slope of 118. Weather was going to be Light showers and breezy. Light drizzle on the first tee turned to a good shower by the 7^th hole with raincoats came out. The coats came off by the 12^th hole and most were playing in shirts with the temperature in the high 50s.

Dan Nelson finished up his round with a nice score of 74 for low net of the event. Jimbo Pfeiffer came home Net 69 for low net. Scores varied depending on player. One noticeable take away when everyone finished up were the smiles and comments on how fun it is to play with these older clubs!

 A course and general time was agreed upon for the second annual Washington Classic invitational  in Memory of Jack Wilson will take place next spring!

Jimmy Bucher

[James the Hogan Fan]

Amazing, I have close to that exact set of Spalding Irons, I think down to the triangle code.

 

 

[BIG STU]

3 hours ago, James the Hogan Fan said:

Amazing, I have close to that exact set of Spalding Irons, I think down to the triangle code.

 

 

Triangle codes are 1953 1954--- Those were among the "Holy Grail" sets in my area growing up in the 60s 70s

[BIG STU]

Man LOVE IT!!!!!--- Wish I was able to ride out there and participate  or even just look.  Wish we could do something similar on this side of the river. Just for my own edification what is your Sea Level evelation out there? Trying to figure out suitable yardages if I did one out here. Basically I have been playing vintage at my home course at around 5800 at sea level 2 miles as the crow flies off the ocean. That is what we call our Green Super Senior Tees ( over 70 yoa). It plays pretty decent for me.

 

Right now my vintage play is sorta on hold due to permanant nerve damage in my back. I have found out the high frequency vibrations from steel shafts is transferring to the damaged nerves in my back--- I have reluctently been playing graphite shafts and heads with the vibration damper stuff in the heads. Have played that set up the last two weeks with no pain or stiffness. I will say this for me it would be worth the 2 days of pain and stiffness to be able to do a similar event

[jbucher]

Stu, Mount Si is in a valley. The elevation is only 421 feet above sea level. In comparison TPC Snoqualmie where the seniors play is 3.25 miles away as the crow fly's is at  820 feet at the high point. Our heavy damp air does hurt our distance compared to dry air elsewhere.

 You would win the long distance award for sure if you came out. One the guys came from 70+ miles away for this event.

 I hope your back heals up soon!

Jimmy B

[BIG STU]

3 hours ago, jbucher said:

Stu, Mount Si is in a valley. The elevation is only 421 feet above sea level. In comparison TPC Snoqualmie where the seniors play is 3.25 miles away as the crow fly's is at  820 feet at the high point. Our heavy damp air does hurt our distance compared to dry air elsewhere.

 You would win the long distance award for sure if you came out. One the guys came from 70+ miles away for this event.

 I hope your back heals up soon!

Jimmy B

Dont know on winning the long distance thing--- I only hit a persimmon driver about 190 or so now at sea level and a standard loft blade 5 iron about 150. And like you we have heavy damp air with salt to boot. Heck these days I only hit my modern M-6 Toyota on a stick driver around 205 210. I had to shorten my swing a lot and tone down my SS to even be able to play. But I consider myself lucky to even be able to attempt to play. Yep am familiar somewhat with Snoqualmie. Crossed that mountain many a time trucking had a John Deere heavy equipment dealer I hauled for in Portland

[jbucher]

Long distance as in travel🤪

[Forged Hack]

Definitely interested……post next year’s info when able.

Subbed.

[BIG STU]

On 11/3/2021 at 10:54 PM, jbucher said:

Long distance as in travel🤪

OOPs went over my head---- senior moment😂