It is six days in Waskesiu that tests golfers’ nerves.

The men’s Lobstick Invitational opens Monday in what is known as one of the best amateur tournaments in North America.

The Open portion of the tournament also pits some of the best professionals and amateurs in two days of stroke play.

The tournament has been around for over 75 years since the course first opened back in 1935.

The likes of Gordie Howe, Pat Fletcher (the last Canadian to win the Canadian Open), and Rick Folk have won the Open portion.  John Walsh holds the record for most match play championships with six.  Seven others are tied with three wins.

“It is a real feather in the cap if you can win this one,” said Tyler Baker, head professional at the Waskesiu Golf Course.

“It’s such a great event and such a deep field and with the long history of great champions it’s a great accomplishment to win one of these things.”

Winning the match play portion is the grind of all grinds, with a possibility of playing five matches, two on the Friday, players have to dig deep to pull through.

“Oh, it’s such a grind,” said Baker.

“Guys have to be mentally capable to get through the beast of a battle that is match play.  It’s hole by hole and if the weather gets a little sour it makes it even worse.”

But rain or shine, guys come from all over to reunite.

For some golfers, this is the only chance to get away and enjoy a week with friends, which they may only get to see once a year.

“A lot of these guys play grew up here and played through many junior Lobstick’s. This is the only time a lot of them get to see each other at this time of year. It’s just one of those unique events where guys spread the word of mouth and we get new players each year,” Baker said.

Some groups add a theme element to the tournament, such as moustache Wednesday or mullet Thursday. It’s the history and the camaraderie that brings golfers back each and every year.

“It’s just a unique tournament with a lot of history,” said Baker.

“There are very few match play tournaments anymore with this size of field.”

jblackwell@rawlco.com

Follow on Twitter: @jblackjustin