The 2019 U.S. Hickory Open

At

Belvedere Golf Club

What to Expect:

Congratulations on making it into the 2019 U.S. Hickory Open at Belvedere Golf Club and

what is to be the largest field ever at a U.S. Hickory Open.

On Thursday, November 1st, 2018 the registration for the 2019 Championship opened and by

noon on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 the registration closed. Ninety-five contestants filled the

initial registration field in only 2 ½ days. It was anticipated that this U.S. Hickory Open

Championship, held at Belvedere Golf Club, would sell out very quickly but the rate by which it

did even surprised our 2019 U.S. Hickory Open committee.

The initial intent was to have a field of 120 participants - since November over 36 contestants

have been contacted off the waitlist and we have filled the field to 120 contestants.

Now, as you wait for the weather to get better, what to expect?

First, make sure that you have acquired lodging. Charlevoix is a wonderful summer

resort town on three lakes. It is a place that everyone wants to visit in the summer, and a place

no one wants to leave. Boating,

fishing, golfing, biking, hiking,

sailing - nearly every conceivable

form of recreation exists in

Charlevoix along with great

restaurants and shopping.

It is also “The Wedding

Destination” of the Midwest with

weddings at Castle Farms booking

3 years out and not just on

Saturday’s. Tuesday, Wednesday

& Thursday weddings are

common place at this historically

restored European styled castle grounds. There is also a marathon race on Saturday, June 22, a

summer solstice festival over our U.S. Hickory Open weekend and another golf tournament at a

different Charlevoix course. So, hotel

rooms are at a premium and you must get

yours soon. Some of the hotels stop taking

reservations for the U.S. Hickory Open

block on March 15.

Be sure to ask for the U.S. Hickory

Open block when you call the hotels.

(Castle Farms – Charlevoix)

Ammeric Inn:

11800 US 31 North,

Charlevoix, MI 4972

Phone: (231) 237- 0988

www.americinn.com/hotels/mi/charlevoix

3 miles from Belvedere Golf Club

Charlevoix Inn & Suites:

800 Petoskey Avenue

Charlevoix, Michigan 49720

Phone: 888-252-2505

www.charlevoixinn.com

2.5 miles from Belvedere Golf Club

Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites:

111 Pine River Lane

Charlevoix, MI 49720

Phone: (231) 547- 9955

www.weathervane-chx.com

1.5 miles from Belvedere Golf Club

Edgewater Inn:

100 Michigan Ave

Charlevoix, MI 49720

Phone: (231) 547-6044

www.edgewater-charlevoix.com

1.5 miles from Belvedere Golf Club

Pointes North Inn:

101 Michigan Ave

Charlevoix, MI 49720

Phone: (231) 547-0055

www.pointesnorthcharlevoix.com

1.5 miles from Belvedere Golf Club

The Inn at Bay Harbor:

3600 Village Harbor Drive

Bay Harbor, MI 49770

www.innatbayharbor.com

14.5 miles from Belvedere Golf Club

Ok, now you have your accommodations and you are headed to Charlevoix. No matter from

which direction you arrive to

Charlevoix, one of the first things

that you will notice is our Petunia

lined streets.

Every Memorial Weekend since

1982, Charlevoix residents line the

main street of Charlevoix and plant

70,000

petunias

over a

five mile stretch for the enjoyment of the summer visitors.

Downtown Charlevoix is a quaint small town – somewhat “Norman

Rockwellesque” with its charming shops, delightful restaurants, and

striking boating harbor. There is only one stop light in downtown

Charlevoix but that doesn’t mean it a sleepy slow town. In the

summer time,

visitors can number up to 18,000 and parking,

traffic and that bridge can slow things right

down to a crawl. Remember – the

drawbridge in downtown Charlevoix goes up

on the hour and half hour from 6:00 a.m. –

7:00 p.m. all summer long and then on

demand after 7:00 p.m. Be sure to give

yourself plenty of time to get across town to

get to either your hotel room or the golf club.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20TH –

The practice round is Thursday, June 20th and tee times begin at 8:00 a.m. and go every ten

minutes. Please contact me here at golfbelvedere@gmail.com to schedule your practice

round. With 120 contestants, tee times will be necessary to accommodate everyone. Range

balls are included (range open until 6:00 p.m.) with the entry fee and the short game area will be

open late for those needing to fine tune their game. Practice rounds are scheduled on a first

come first served basis – so contact me A.S.A.P. for your tee time.

When you arrive at Belvedere Golf Club, on Thursday, June 20th, there will be a tent outside

the clubhouse for registration. Please park your car in the lot (additional parking is available

across the street – Marion Center Rd –

in our overflow lot) and find your

assigned cart to the right of the

clubhouse with your name on it. Then

check in with the ladies under the tent

for registration.

Raffle tickets will be available for

purchase at registration and at the

Thursday evening party. A list of raffle

items will be listed in the registration

materials.

Lunch is available at either the clubhouse or at the grill behind the pro shop. Be sure to

bring cash or check for Thursday’s lunch as no credit cards are accepted.

The starter will announce your group to the tee at your assigned tee time. Be sure to be

prompt and on time so we can accommodate everyone during the practice round.

After your practice round, check in at your hotel and get ready for the “Welcome to

Charlevoix” party hosted by Dennis “Marty” Joy II, PGA of Belvedere Golf Club. This will

take place at the historic Chicago Club on the north side of Charlevoix. (Directions to the

Chicago Club and all other venues will be in your brochure that you will receive at registration.)

The Chicago Club was established in 1881

by several affluent families primarily from

Chicago, IL. It is a lovely 40-acre parcel

of land perched above two lakes with 31

summer cottages located within its

grounds. With its majestic clubhouse and

view overlooking Lake Charlevoix, it is a

perfect venue to host the “Welcome to

Charlevoix” party.

(The Chicago Clubhouse est. 1881)

PLEASE NOTE – THERE IS ABSOLUTLY NO SMOKING AT THE

CHICAGO CLUB. CLUB RULES. Those needing to smoke will have to leave the

club grounds and walk to a public street outside the club’s gate.

At the Chicago Club you will enjoy

scenic views of Lake Charlevoix

(possibly a sailboat race), complimentary

bar service, wonderful food selections and

music provided by local artists. If a

spouse is accompanying you to the U.S.

Hickory Open Championship, they are

also welcomed to attend all the parties throughout the week. There should be plenty of food –

enough for dinner, but those who would like to venture into town and go out to a restaurant, a list

of popular eateries is listed below for you:

Fine Dining in Charlevoix: Recommend Reservations.

The Grey Gables Restaurant: (231) 547-9261 - One of Charlevoix’s

premiere restaurants, Grey Gables offers nightly dining, a full-service

bar, and seasonal weekend entertainment.

Owners Kelly and Darren Romano are Culinary Institute of America

graduates. Their recipe for success combines a flair for creativity with the

freshest ingredients to provide a satisfying dining experience that will

leave a lasting impression.

Terry’s Place: (231) 547-2799 - With over 40 years in the business

since graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Terry Left,

the proprietor, and Paul Bradley, the executive chef, have brought

their years of experience to bear in developing exquisite recipes

complemented by just the right sauces. Terry’s offers excellent full

course dinners in a warm casual dining atmosphere. Given the proximity to the Great Lakes,

their fish entrees are a fresh and ever-popular selection.

Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant: (231) 547-4311- Stafford’s

Weathervane Restaurant offers signature and regional cuisine in a

relaxed atmosphere and is Charlevoix’s only true waterfront dining.

Casual Dining in Charlevoix:

The Villager Pub: (231) 547-6925 - The Villager Pub is a

tavern/pub specializing in tavern pub-grub and Lake Michigan

whitefish.

Bridge Street Tap Room: (231) 437-3466 - Serving Michigan

beer and delicious food right on the water. The hand-crafted

dishes highlight many locally sourced ingredients and

Michigan-made products.

Smoke on the Water: (231) 237-9604 - A delicious homemade option

for lunch. The menu boasts classic favorites such as pulled pork and mac

cheese; along with creative options such as smoked chicken salad

sandwich and portabella mushroom burger.

East Park Tavern: (231) 547-7450 - A new establishment in

Charlevoix. The menu features eclectic small plates, delicious

burgers, and Cross Fisheries Whitefish.

The Cantina – Tacos & Tequila: (231) 437-3612 – We serve

authentic Mexican food with full bar and large selection of

tequilas.

Jax Northside: (231) 437-6400 – Jax is a “New American”

restaurant concept with full bar established in Spring 2918. Our

approach is all about serving with local flair. We love our

neighborhood, our city, and all its unique “Up North” beauty.

Restaurant porch overlooks Charlevoix’s City Golf Course’s 6th

green.

Pigs Eatin’ Ribs: (231) 547-7447- Award winning chef is bringing

the tastes of the South with his Smoke-house style. Delicious house-

smoked meats made into sandwich, burgers, soups, and much more.

Served with delicious homemade sides.

Friday & Saturday Morning Breakfast Locations:

Flap Jack Shack: (231) 547-6466 – All American Diner Breakfast.

Made to order omelets, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns etc. Small

town breakfast with never ending coffee.

Harbor View Café: (231) 437-3830 - Their breakfast menu is

a crowd pleaser with a variety of options for everyone from

eggs benedict, waffles, oatmeal, fresh fruit, egg scrambles, our

famous skillets, a breakfast burrito and more!

That French Place: (231) 437-6037 - At ‘That French

Place’, we serve our crêpes as you would buy at a crêpe stand

in the streets of Paris. Though you are more than welcome to

sit and enjoy your crêpe on-site, the crêpe cones in which we serve them are designed to allow

you to stroll through town, to the park or the beach while savoring this authentic French fare.

Friday, June 21st –

The first day of competition is Friday, June 21st. Range and short game area will be

available at 7:30 a.m. There will be coffee, juice and pastries available in the clubhouse but no

other breakfast items. See the above list of breakfast restaurants if you need a hearty meal before

competition. A locker will be assigned for you in the locker room – feel free to use your

assigned locker throughout the tournament.

Tee times will be listed in your brochure that you will pick up at registration. Because of the

immense size of the field – it is unfortunately necessary to play in foursomes on both Friday &

Saturday. Tee times will start at 9:00 a.m. and we will be sending groups out on both the #1 tee

and the #10 tee. If you start on #1 on

Friday, you will start on #10 on

Saturday and vice versa.

Please be sure to be on

time and on the Belvedere

grounds at least a half

hour prior to your tee time.

Golf Association of Michigan officials will be traveling the course helping with rules – they

are there to assist you not enforce rules. There will also be plenty of spotters on the golf course –

if you need a ruling, either flag down a GAM rules official or have a spotter call for a rules

official.

Lunch will be available at the turn for pick up either in the clubhouse or at the grill on both

Friday & Saturday. Lunch is included in your entry fee. There will also be complimentary

beverages and snacks on the #5 & #15 tees.

After you finish your round, sign and turn your scorecard in at the scoring table located next

to the registration tent. Complimentary cocktails, beer and wine are available to all contestants

after each competitive round. Enjoy your

afternoon reliving your round – all the highs

and lows – with an adult beverage in hand.

While you are competing in the 2019

U.S. Hickory Open, there will be a tour of

Castle Farms for spouses. Built in 1918 by

Albert Loeb, the acting President of Sears,

Roebuck, and Co. as a model dairy farm,

Loeb Farms was modeled after the stone barns and castles found in Normandy, France. At its

peak, the farm was the largest employer in Charlevoix County, with over 90 people on its

payroll. It had more than 200 head of prize-winning Holstein-Friesian and 13 pair of Belgian

drafts horses. It even has its own professional baseball team- the Sodbusters. For years, the

picture on the cover of the Sears & Roebuck catalog was a picture that came from Castle Farms.

Linda Mueller, a Belvedere Club member, purchased Castle Farms in 2001 and began an

extensive restoration project. The roofs were replaced, wings were added back according to

original blueprints, and extensive gardens were created. The Castle began hosting weddings in

2002 and now it is the #1 wedding destination in the Midwest.

A tour of Castle Farms is available for your spouse starting at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21st.

The cost is $15.00. Please arrive

several minutes prior to the start

of the tour to allow for

registration. If you have not

taken a tour of Castle Farms, it is

well worth your time and small

fee. There is even a wine tasting

after the tour if you would like to

stay a little longer.

If you are interested in the

Castle Farms tour, please email

me here at

golfbelvedere@gmail.com – I will

be sending out another reminder

about the tour later in May.

(Castle Farms today – restoration complete and quite beautiful)

Friday evening, starting at 6:00 p.m., there will be a cocktail party & dinner at Castle

Farms. For those of you who go on the tour, you can inform your significant other about what

you learned that day, and for those who didn’t go on the tour (including contestants,) you will be

able to visit this magnificent property. Pairings & starting times for Saturday’s tee times will be

revealed at the Castle Farms evening party.

The trade show will also be at the Castle Farms party. For those of you who have purchased

a table for the trade show, you will have a table waiting for you at Castle Farms with your name

on it. Don’t worry

about having to get

there early and fight for

space – you will have

your own table. Trade

show vendors can

arrive at 5:30 p.m. to

set up – all other

participants and guests

are asked to wait until

at least 6:00 p.m. to

allow for the caterers to

set up.

Also, raffle tickets will be again on sale and raffle items will be on displayed for

viewing and bidding. Bid all you want on Friday. Winning tickets will be drawn on Friday

evening after the party and winning numbers will be on display at Saturday’s party. If

your ticket was selected, you will be able to pick up your prize Saturday evening.

Remember to bring your tickets with you.

Saturday, June 22nd –

The final day of competition is Saturday, June 22nd. Again, the range and short game area

will be available at 7:30 a.m. and there will be coffee, juice and pastries available in the

clubhouse but no other breakfast items.

If you started on #1 Friday, you will be starting on #10 on Saturday and vice versa. Tee

times begin at 9:00 a.m. on both #1 & #10. Tee times will be based off Friday’s results with the

lowest scores teeing off last and the higher scores teeing off first.

Like Friday, the Golf Association of Michigan officials will be traveling the course helping

with rules – they are there to assist you not enforce rules.

Lunch will be available at the turn for pick up either in the clubhouse or at the grill just like

on Friday & lunch is again included in your entry fee. There will also be complimentary

beverages and snacks on the #5 & #15 tees.

Please be sure to be on

time and on the Belvedere

grounds at least a half

hour prior to your tee

time.

After you finish your round, sign and turn your scorecard in at the scoring table located

next to the registration tent. Complimentary cocktails, beer and wine are available to all

contestants – just like on Friday.

Be mindful if you did post a good score – a playoff for Gross 1st place is played in case of

a tie in all four divisions. Open, Senior, Super Senior & Ladies. If there is a tie for Net

(Reserve) 1st place, the SOHG has a scorecard playoff formula that will be used to determine

winners.

There is another tour for spouses on

Saturday, June 22nd – this time it is a tour

of several of the Belvedere Cottages

followed by a nice luncheon at the

Belvedere Casino.

Not a gambling den but rather the original

meaning of a “Casino” – a meeting a gathering place.

And a very nice meeting and gathering place right on

Lake Charlevoix. No charge for the tour but there is a

$15.00 lunch charge at the Casino. Please bring cash or check as there are no credit cards

accepted. Tour will start at 10:30 a.m. and plan for a noon lunch.

Finally, on Saturday evening starting at 6:30 p.m., the grand finale – a cocktail, dinner and

awards ceremony at the Belvedere Casino – along with Bagpipers to welcome you to the

festivities. This is a coat & tie affair & the only cash bar over the entire weekend. Please

bring cash or check to the casino to pay for your cocktails. Dinner is included in the entry fee.

Remember to bring your Raffle Tickets to the Casino and see if your number was

selected.

Awards to the champions

and SOHG & Belvedere

speakers will conclude the

championship.

(The group photo taken in front of

the Casino and Lake Charlevoix)

WHAT’S NEXT:

I’ll be contacting you later in May regarding:

- The Castle Farms Tour

- The Belvedere Cottage Tour & Luncheon

- Your menu selection for the Saturday evening Casino dinner

Now you need to make your practice round tee times for

Thursday, June 20th. Tee times are allocated on a first come

first served basis. So, contact me A.S.A.P. for your time and

who you would like to play with - if you have a preference.

Contact me at golfbelvedere@gmail.com

Thank you and if you have any other questions about the U.S. Hickory Open, Belvedere

Golf Club or Charlevoix, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the above email address.

Dennis “Marty” Joy II, PGA

Belvedere Golf Club

Shopping in Charlevoix – Check out these fine retailers:

100 Van Pelt Place Suite A

Tel: (231) 437- 3686

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315 Bridge St - (231) 547-5222

Make it with American Spoon!

Browse our collection of recipes and simple serving suggestions for great homecooked meals and

easy entertaining.

______________________________________________________________________________

221 Bridge St. - (231) 226-3006

230 Bridge Street - (231) 437-3300

Harwood Gold, a family-owned

purveyor of maple syrup and

more amazing Northern

Michigan goods.

______________________________________________________________________________

111 Bridge Street – (231) 237-7827

Deli – Dinner – Dessert – Sandwiches – Salads

Gourmet made fresh to order.

339 Bridge Street – (231) 547-6361

Our products change with the seasons, so

be sure to stop in and take a look and see

what’s new.

403 Bridge Street - 231.437.3425

The essence of easy living and life on the

water shines through in an assortment of gifts

and home decor for the home, cottage or boat.

211 Bridge Street – 231-547- 9288

227 Bridge Street – (231) 437-3508

52 Weekends is a women's clothing store downtown Charlevoix, carrying

a variety of brands, purses, jewelry, and small gifts. Boutique, Clothing

and Apparel, Home Décor, Gifts, Accessories.

Townhouse Bar

223 Bridge Street – (231) 547-6690

Friendly service and stiff drinks

are to be had along with good

conversation at the Townhouse

Bar!