Tim Heath wins 2019 Indiana Hickory open in playoff

Oct. 24, 2019

Max Hollon reports:

The Indiana Hickory Open was held Oct. 11-13 at Cambridge Golf Course in Evansville. Twenty-three players from eight different states played the links=style golf course as the weather improved each day of the tournament.

Winners of Friday’s shamble were Bill Ellington, Mike Pishlo, and Cal Whitman. Friday’s weather was windy and damp, but most of the players persevered and finished despite a few downpours. Players and several spouses enjoyed plenty of good food and fellowship at Joe and Carol Fallen’s home following the practice round.

Weather for Saturday and Sunday was a bit windy at Cambridge which was in excellent condition for playing hickories. Tim Heath took a two-stroke lead over Rick Woeckener and a three-shot lead over John Horner in the Open division after the first round on Saturday. The Seniors were led by Mike Harding by two shots ahead of Gary Oldham and three ahead of David Dunigan. Statesman Ed Ronco led Max Hollon by one stroke after Saturday. A great meal was the final part of Saturday ‘s events.

Sunday was filled with several lead changes for the Open division. After the front nine on Sunday, Heath, Woeckener, and Chris Hollon were tied for the lead. Chris had bogeys on 10 and 11 and was two shots behind Tim and Rick. On hole No. 18, Rick had a birdie and Tim had a bogey, and they ended tied for the tournament. Tim and Rick both missed the playoff hole in regulation. Rick chipped to about 6 feet for a par and Tim to within 4 feet. Tim made his putt after Rick missed. The Senior division was won by Mike Harding with rounds of 81 and 80. Bill Tucholski was second with rounds of 92 and 87. The Statesmen division was won by Max Hollon with rounds of 90 and 89. Ed Ronco was second with rounds of 89 and 91.

Sunday’s play was closed with an award ceremony including prizes given for closest to par 3’s on all three days and the long drive on Friday, and lunch was served before all players left for home.

We are looking forward to having the Indiana Hickory Open at Cambridge Golf Course next year on Oct. 9-11.

Winners for Indiana Hickory Open Champion: Tim Heath
Open Division: First – Rick Woeckener; Second – Chris Hollon; Third – Bill Ellington
First Reserve – John Horner; Second – Charlie Adams; Third – David Lipa

Senior Division: First – Mike Harding; Second – Bill Tucholski; Third – Tim Flynn
First Reserve – Gary Oldham; Second – David Dunigan; Third – Pat Dunigan

Statesmen Division: First – Max Hollon; Second – Ed Ronco; Third – Larry Pinchback
First Reserve – Dan Riley; Second – Mike Pishlo; Third – Lloyd Slinglend