Flintridge Prep Tries to Keep Niblick Grip

There will be much more than a Prep League victory and school pride on the line Monday when Flintridge Prep plays Pasadena Poly in golf at Brookside Golf Course.

The “Mystic Niblick” is at stake.

The Mystic Niblick, a hickory-shafted antique golf club, is the trophy awarded to the winner of the season series between the rival schools.

A tradition started 12 years ago by Flintridge Prep Coach Bob Loughrie, the niblick is taken seriously by both teams.

“Nobody likes to lose it,” said Loughrie, whose team has retained the trophy since 1995 and holds a 7-4 record in the niblick showdown. “We put it on the first tee of our matches against Poly to remind the kids what’s at stake.”

The Rebels hold a two-stroke lead over Pasadena Poly this season. Four Flintridge Prep seniors have helped keep the niblick at their school for the last three years.

“I don’t think they want to lose it this year,” Loughrie said.

Loughrie started the tradition as a way to bring awareness to golf, a sport he felt didn’t get much recognition.

“Golf as a sport needed a boost,” he said. “And Poly is a natural rival for us in all sports so it only made sense to have something when we play.”

As for the origin of the club, well, Loughrie has no clue about where it came from.

“It sort of appeared out of nowhere,” Loughrie said. “That’s why its called the Mystic Niblick.”