Knickers and hickory sticks were in order as the fifth annual The Haig golf tournament teed off Friday at Elmbrook Golf Course in Traverse City.
The golf tournament, dedicated to the memory of Traverse City resident and golfing legend Walter Hagen, raised $11,000 to benefit the Grand Traverse Heritage Center. Since its inception in 2003, The Haig has raised more than $40,000 to preserve Traverse City's historic Carnegie Library and lay the foundation for a premier historical center that protects and shares the artifacts and stories of the region's earlier days.
Haig participants don vintage attire and play with hickory stick golf clubs, provided by Dr. Joseph Gadbaw of Traverse City.
Ninty-year-old Gadbaw, who had six family members — representing three generations — participate, enjoys sharing his collection as well as his love of the game.
"The longer I live, the more I am in love with the game. It has everything that people need — exercise, being outdoors and competition,” said Gadbaw, who has refurbished and donated his collection of more than 100 hickory stick clubs — representing one of the largest collections in Michigan — to the Grand Traverse Heritage Center for use in The Haig.
"Events like this will bring a lot of those old clubs out of the closet,” said Gadbaw.
Grand Traverse Heritage Center director Dan Truckey appreciates Gadbaw's generosity in sharing his knowledge and expertise, as well as his dedication to the Heritage Center.
"This is a really fun and historical tournament, different than most you will play. It is a great plus for the Heritage Center,” Truckey said.
The Heritage Center is home to the Museum of History, Grand Traverse Historical Society, Maritime Heritage Alliance, Women's History Project of Northwest Michigan, Railroad Historical Society of Northwest Michigan and the Grand Traverse Rock and Mineral Club.