Still looking to gain some traction, World Hickory Golf Day, selected for the first Sunday in May, was celebrated by a few regional groups who got into the spirit of the day. Turns out there are a few other “national days” that were celebrated on May 5 this year, most notably Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican celebration of freedom. But, in 2024, there were some 25 other known “national days” on the calendar, according to the website www.listofNationalDays.com. World Hickory Golf Day, by the way, is not listed… yet.
Among the things you could have celebrated along with your hickory golf outing was the aforementioned Cinco de Mayo as well as: African World Heritage Day, National Cartoonists Day, National Astronaut Day, National Hoagie Day, National Stepmother’s Day, World Laughter Day, and National Lemonade Day. Or, toward the more unusual side of the spectrum: No Pants Day, Mayday for Mutts, Totally Chipotle Day, Nail Day, and Hug a Shed and Take a Selfie Day.
But, back to hickory golf. Thanks to those of you who sent in a photo of your gatherings. And for those of you who got together but didn’t chronicle the day with photographic evidence, it’s all good. The point is, enjoy the sport with your friends and have a good time. And if you didn’t send us photos this year… how about next?
Here’s our 2024 World Hickory Golf Day heroes:
From the Pacific Northwest and the Northwest Hickory Players:
The Northwest Hickory Players celebrated World Hickory Golf Day by playing the 12th edition of the Vintage Hickory Classic at Meadow Park GC(1915) in Tacoma, Wash. Fourty-four players (five new to hickory) braved the cool temps to enjoy the day playing one of the oldest courses in Washington State. Four divisions of players appreciated the early morning rain stopping about an hour before the first tee time and it did not resume until more than an hour after the last group finished. Players turned in some pretty good scores considering the cold wind that was with us the whole day.
The Vintage champion for 2024 was Brent Hudgins of Vancouver, Washington, shooting a solid 77 for his 3rd win in the event.
Durel Billy, right, with a friend from the NWHP. World Hickory Golf Day was originally conceived by Billy as a national day to celebrate hickory golf. Thanks Durel!
Second was Jim Bucher(our intrepid photographer) and third in the Open division was Durel Billy. By the way, Durel is the person who came up with the idea for a hickory golf day that has now grown to be promoted by the SoHG and celebrated worldwide.
Net winners in the Open division were Kevin Davis with a net 77, second net was Jeff Lefferts–net 78 and third net was JJ Jackson–net 79. The Senior Champion was John Quickstad (in a playoff) and second was Martin Pool. Third was Carl Leboa. Net winners were–1st Eddie Johnson; 2nd Eric Matthews and third net was Bob Fairbrook.
In the Women’s division the Champion was Kathleen Turner, with Roberta Robbins finishing 2nd. Net winner was Paula Anderson.
In the Super Senior division Kit Ledbetter was the Champ–no, he failed to shoot his age this time (missed it by 2). Second place went to Peter Yagi and third was Kyle Marvin. Net winners were 1st, Franz Schwarm; 2nd Gary Smyres and 3rd net was David Hall.
The course is called Meadow Park because in 1915 when it was built there were no trees to be seen on the course. Now, 109 years later there are towering firs, cedar and other evergreens throughout the course. Stunning place. It was a great day, a wonderful course and outstanding company.
Golf among towering pines and firs was a World Hickory Golf Day treat for the Northwest Hickory Players and friends.
The Pacific Coast Hickory Golfers:
We had a great time out here yesterday at San Clemente GC. Great golf and weather. Nico Bollini, 2017 U.S. Hickory Open Champion, and his partner, OD Vincent, were the champions this year. Everybody had a great time. Rick Perrault was the Tournament Director and everyone walked away with prizes and a smile.
Nick Bollini, left, and friends at the World Hickory Golf Day celebration at San Clemente GC. Nick was the 2017 USHO champ.
The players at the World Hickory Golf Day celebration for the Pacific Coast Hickory Golfers.
Coolest World Hickory Golf Day swag for 2024. These hand-crafted bag tags added to the day’s celebration. Each are unique and are surely the only such items in the world to so celebrate WHGD.
From East Tennessee:
The Society’s Regional Playing Group liaison Brent Ronald is busy growing a playing group in his area. Below, he and several golf buddies got together for a World Hickory Golf Day outing. (By the way, if you are a regional golf captain or organizer, get in touch with Brent who would love to hear how best the Society can support your efforts.)
Brent Ronald, left, and the East Tennessee hickory golfers display a hickory golf banner during their World Hickory Golf Day get-together.
From the Michigan Hickory Tour:
The Michigan Hickory Tour begins its annual season with a kick-off event in Jackson – the Jackson Match Play Championship, hosted by Jim Hannen. Hannen, a former art framer and gallery owner, started the day by hosting the players at his house for a tour of his astonishing golf collection, one that spans several genres.
Michigan Hickory Tour players pose for a photo in the basement home of Jim Hannen. The basement houses his wonderful golf and art collection.
The MHT players during the World Hickory Golf Day celebration at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, Mich. It was a coolish, damp day and scores were high. Bill Tucholski prevailed in the post-event chip-off for the coveted first-place honors.