The Hickory Corner: Tournament time

By Brian Giboney, Special to Inside Golf
It is that time of the year again for hickory golf nuts – time to start thinking about the annual Washington State Hickory Open. This is the premier hickory championship of the year and it will be held at The Home Course on September 10th, 2016.

The tournament has a rich history dating back to 1993 when Fred Smith won at Allenmore Golf Course. Here are the historical scores of the Washington State Hickory Opens held to date as well as the venue:

• 1993 Fred Smith 81 Allenmore GC
• 1994 Colin Gants 78 Allenmore GC
• 1995 John Henry Williams 75 Allenmore GC
• 1996 Colin Gants 76 Allenmore GC
• 1997 Colin Gants 77 Allenmore GC
• 1998 Colin Gants 75 Allenmore GC
• 1999 Colin Gants 72 Jefferson Park GC
• 2000 Robert Lorentzen 77 Jefferson Park GC
• 2001 Colin Gants 75 Jefferson Park GC
• 2002 Colin Gants 77 West Seattle GC
• 2003-2013 no events were held*
• 2014 Grayson Giboney 76 The Home Course
• 2015 Jim Von Lossow 75 The Home Course

While the above are the recognized men’s state hickory champions, more formal recognition is being developed for a women’s state hickory champion, as well as a senior state hickory champion.
Some need to know details of the schedule of events: on Sept 9 there is a scheduled afternoon practice round with a scheduled post round dinner and pint at a local Irish pub in Dupont. Sept 10 tournament tee times will start at 10:00 AM with a group photo at 9:00 AM at The Home Course’s main entrance. Rental clubs are available for $25.00, McIntyre Replica Golf Balls are required, and available at a low cost.
Also, prior to the tournament and after tournament play there will be a trade show in the Home Course Pavilion where people can acquire their first hickory clubs and even put together their own set. If you would like to join in on the fun and challenge on September 10 – for more details go to http://apnationalhickoryplayers.com/ or contact tournament director Durel Billy at durelbilly@yahoo.com.

Brian Giboney has been a freelance contributor to Parachutist magazine since 1999 and does freelance for Inside Golf as well.