Metropolitan Hickory Society

Hickory life :(

The weather did not dampen our spirit! The green on the opening hole at The Country Club of Scranton.

MHS's inaugural “Sledge & Wedge” tournament at The Country Club of Scranton bookended our 14th successful season. We battled through cold wind & rain but we agreed that it was worth it. The old school bar where smoking ci**rs is encouraged was the cherry on top. The undulating Walter Travis greens are truly special. They are proof of the old man’s creativity; though I doubt he ever imagined the speed at which they roll today. Jason Ross’s gross score of 84 edged out AJ MacVie by one stoke. I’m sure AJ is looking back at multiple putts he wished he could do over. Captain Emeritus Tim Alpaugh took home the 1st reserve followed by tournament committee member Tom Sullivan.

We especially thank Tim Alpaugh & Scranton’s head pro John Rogers along with Tom Sullivan & Mike Guerrero for assisting in the logistics. We attracted many new faces this year, which is a testament to the joy our eccentric group brings to the game of golf. In an era of ever-increasing equipment advances, hickory golf provides us a brief reprieve from the rat race. As serious examiners of the tradition of this game in America we are truly blessed to have clubs & hosts that allow us to drink from this fire hose of greatness. Thanks to each & every one of you who helped us promote hickory golf in the Metropolitan area & we look forward to 2026!

Results:
1st Gross: Jason Ross (84)
2nd Gross: AJ MacVie (85)
1st Reserve: Tim Alpaugh (72)
2nd Reserve: Tom Sullivan (75)

The Par-4 14th hole at Pelham Country Club.

The Metropolitan Hickory Society enjoyed a picture-perfect day for its inaugural "Squire" Tournament held in Pelham Manor, NY. It’s named in honor of Gene “The Squire” Sarazen who defeated Walter Hagen in the 1923 PGA Championship. The Devereux Emmet designed course offered plenty of architectural intrigue. It presented quite a challenge despite measuring just under 5,100 yards from the forward tees. MHS stalwart Ron Perlman & the well-dressed young gun Andrew Simmons tied for 1st gross while Mr. Barth claimed 1st reserve with his steady play.

Our dinner featured heartfelt speeches by Captain Bill Martin & Captain Emeritus Tim Alpaugh concerning Asher Fried, who passed away last week. Our dear friend was one of the founding members of MHS. Always the consummate gentleman, his presence will be missed. If you’d like to watch the speeches, you’ll find them in our google drive link below.

1st Gross (tie): Ron Perlman (85)
1st Gross: (tie): Andrew Simmons (85)
1st Reserve: Jeremy Barth (64)
2nd Reserve: Ron Perlman (69)

MHS Co-Chairman Jared Paletti with Mary Ann Sarazen, daughter of 7-time major champion Gene "The Squire" Sarazen

A special thanks to Crystal Martin for the picture

MHS Co-Chairman Jared Paletti with AJ MacVe and Jason Nelson in the at Lake Sunapee Country Club. A special thanks to Crystal Martin for shooting this candid.

Three members of MHS (Ed Desalvio, Ron Perlman & Jared Paletti) participated in the at Lake Sunapee Country Club. We had a wonderful time competing. A special thanks to Crystal Martin for her wonderful photography of the tournament.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Asher Fried (far right side in the picture). He died on August 3rd from a Glioblastoma brain tumor and several other health issues. His longtime partner Susan expressed how much Asher loved hickory golf. In the words of MHS co-founder Mike Policano:

"Asher was an original member of the Metropolitan Hickory Society and a fixture at all of our gatherings. His passion for Hickory Golf carried him far and wide - across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and even to the birthplace of the game at St. Andrews in Scotland. Wherever there was a hickory event, Asher brought his love of the game, his sense of history and his ever present good cheer.

But more than that, Asher was a true mensch. He was generous in both victory and defeat, and always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. He embodied the spirit of camaraderie that makes our game so special. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. His legacy lives on in every smooth swing, every vintage club, and every smile shared on the fairway. May his memory be a blessing."

The Society of Hickory Golfers

Twilight view of the hotel at Bald Peak Colony Club.

Scenic view at Bald Peal Colony Club.