2025 Classic Woods & Blades - Wisconsin Outing

Wilsonian · July 13

Starting a new thread to discuss.

In the past, about 8 years ago, a few of us met to play a few rounds together. I'd like to do that again.

The purpose was to meet others who shared an interest in playing classic clubs from the 50's thru 70's, blades and persimmon woods.

Back then, the question of defining classic clubs came up. I believe it was agreed on the the irons should be forged and the woods actual wood which includes laminated woods.

So anything prior to 1978-ish (cavity back irons ) would be the idea. That said, anyone would be welcome to attend and I'm sure that most of us have enough extra gear to put together a short set for those who just want to try them.

As an example, I'll most likely be playing 1930's irons and laminated or persimmon woods. Hickory players would be welcomed as well.

I'm thinking of a fun event, not an actual competition, for the first event. Kind of a meet and greet. Maybe with lunch. We could do a couple of special holes, like everyone tees off with the same club on the first hole or everyone putts with the same putter or stuff like that. Open to ideas.

The ideal course would be a modest length, designed around the 1920's or so. I don't have one in mind, so any suggestions would be helpful. Play would be from whatever tees your most comfortable with. I play from the forward tees to about 2700 yds per nine for example.

Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois seem to make the most sense. I'm about 1 hour 20 minutes north of Waukegan, Illinois for reference in central Ozaukee County Wisconsin.

That's everything I can think of at the moment. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or whatever, please respond here. I'll keep track of who's in and we'll see where this goes.

Wilsonian · July 13

Anyone familiar with Brighton Dale Links? In Kenosha County

bcstones · July 13

i live in rural Texas, so I'm pretty sure that I'd be unable to attend....however, have you considered the Tam O'Shanter Golf Club in Niles, Il.? My Uncle (& Godfather) used to play it back when it was a championship course. Here's a wee bit of history:

https://www.golftam.com/images/Tam_History_Facts.pdf

Wilsonian · July 13

If memory serves, isn't this where the owner fired all of the caddies and introduced golf carts? I believe he was the first to do that. Or maybe that's somewhere else...

bcstones · July 13

16 minutes ago, Wilsonian said:

If memory serves, isn't this where the owner fired all of the caddies and introduced golf carts? I believe he was the first to do that. Or maybe that's somewhere else...

I don't know....I'm pretty sure that some kind of arrangement between former owner's Family (after he died) & the Niles Parks & Recreation....I'm thinking it's now a public course, in it's championship days it was a private country club

jplroper · July 13

Going to throw this course into the mix, Riverside in Janesville, Wi. . Not overly long or expensive, but it has been in existence for a long time. Easy to get to from the interstate.

https://www.janesvilleriverside.com/

ezgoer · July 13

No promises, I’m in MPLS but I’d consider a roadtrip to spend time with like minded. The stars would have to aligned perfectly and everything else along with that, schedule, life, etc. but it does sound fun.

Edited July 13 by ezgoer

Wilsonian · July 14

Where we play would depend on where everyone lives. If you're interested, message me and I'll keep track. Someplace centrally located to the majority would make the most sense.

Mudpack · July 14

I'm in Lake County IL, and I'd be on board for this event.

bcstones · July 14

just came across this bit, reading about Lloyd Mangrum:

"...(Lloyd) Mangrum won the U.S. Open in 1946. He also won big in 1948 by claiming $22,000 out of a $48,000 purse at George S. May’s World Championship, playing on his home course - Tam O’Shanter..."