The Sixth World Hickory Open to be held in East Lothian promises to be an even better event with a strong contingent from the USA and Sweden already on the player’s list.
World Hickory Open Chairman Lionel Freedman exhorts hickory fanatics and even the not-so-expert to get their entry submitted without delay to avoid disappointment. As usual pre-1936 hickory shafted clubs are provided at no cost for those without their own set as are clubs manufactured by The St Andrews Golf Co.- the last manufacturer of golf clubs in Scotland.
“The new course selection, the rapidly growing popularity of the hickory game and the presence of at least three National Hickory Champions is assurance that this year’s Open will attract a record field,” says Lionel Freedman. “This tournament is for professionals and amateurs alike, which adds another unique dimension to the event.”
However, with The Scottish Golf Union now supporting the tournament, the venues have been adjusted to embrace the best of old and new with competition play over Musselburgh Old Links, Craigielaw, Archerfield and Gulllane 2 & 3. from September 20th-24th 2010.
For those who are not familiar with some of these courses, Musselburgh Old Links , the site of six Opens in the late 19th century. This is followed by the challenging Craigielaw links, where the domed greens seem to demand an approach with the putter. Then it’s another mile or two east to Archerfield’s incredible Fidra course, a new layout based on the original private course in a sensational setting with its own stately home as a backdrop and finally to Gullane 2 & 3 for the 36-hole Open Championship and the team event.
The tournament also includes a celebratory dinner at the historic Gullane clubhouse climaxing with the prize giving followed by entertaining speeches by golfing luminaries. This Dinner will support two charities, The Ewan MacDonald Centre, which has been set up at Edinburgh University by the MacDonald family, to find a cure for motor neuron disease, and Keepers of the Green, whose members, in addition to playing hickory golf, raise money to buy electric wheelchairs for the physically handicapped.
Entries include current national champions, Mike Stevens from the USA, Owe Werner from Sweden , Perry Somers from Australia, Ian Forrester from Holland and Marc Amort from Schloss Langenstein in Germany.
“We are delighted to support this year’s World Hickory Open and hope to encourage more Scottish golfers to participate in this wonderful event. It provides a great opportunity to take a step back in time and see how golf was played prior to modern technology and I’m sure it will be a great occasion for hickory fans from Scotland and all over the world.” said Hamish Grey, Chief Executive of the Scottish Golf Union.
The organisers urge players to waste no time in visiting the website www.worldhickoryopen.com where full details of the event and entry forms are already published.