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Davie Strath, The Open, the R&A, and a decision of a lifetime
Davie Strath holds a unique and tragic place in golf lore. He was one of several highly-accomplished players within the same family (Davie was one of four brothers and was a frequent partner with young Tommy Morris, Jr.), three of whom died young (including Davie) and were victims of circumstance, having lived just prior to the discovery of penicillin, which might have saved them all from their cruel fate. Miraculously, Davie (1849-1879) came in second place in The Open three times, in 1870, 1873, and 1876. It is that last event—in 1876—that sealed his place in golfing history. Golf Australia published a detailed piece on Strath in January 2023, which…
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Vintage Hickory Classic April 30
Northwest Hickory Players are meeting at Meadow Park Golf Course in Tacoma to celebrate World Hickory Golf Day. This year’s event will be held on April 30, 2023 with tee times beginning at 10 a.m. Players will pay their green fees at the course–and an entry fee for the event payable to Rob Ahlschwede at the event–$20 to cover a small gift and prizes. The 2023 event will allow 44 players. The event is playing for the John Ball trophy. John was an English pro that was one of the designers of the course that opened in 1915 and is now part of the Tacoma Park and Recreation Department. There…
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March 25 – White Horse Golf Course
Once considered among the most difficult golf courses in the Northwest, White Horse Golf Club is now enjoyed by all level of golfers from around the region. When purchased by the Suquamish Indian Tribe during 2010 there were three immediate goals for their newest acquisition. This list included: softening the course conditions, building a clubhouse, and expanding the food and beverage operations to include a catering and banquet facility. Local architect John Harbottle was brought in to make the golf course more enjoyable for all golfers. He removed almost half of the bunkers (created by original architect, Pete Dye’s niece) and created more accessible approach shots for golfers into the…
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McCormick Woods February 5th
Built in 1986 by architect Jack Frei in accordance with the Audubon Society to optimize its serene location, McCormick Woods Golf Club in Port Orchard is one of Washington’s premier public golf experiences. The course features natural lakes hidden amongst towering firs and cedars. With five tee placements at each hole, players of every level can enjoy this championship public course. At McCormick Woods, your scenic golf experience becomes a tranquil escape. NWHP member, Paula Anderson, will host this social outing for up to 20 players in a Bingo-Bango-Bongo format. Walking rate is $39, payable at the clubhouse. No penalty for cancelation if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The first tee…
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European Organizations Unite to Promote Hickory Golf
3 January 2023 – Leading proponents of hickory golf from several European countries have formed the Society of Hickory Golfers – Europe for the purposes of providing support and guidance in promoting growth of the ‘royal and ancient’ game as it was played from its origins. Meeting at Ducks Inn in Aberlady, Scotland, the group represented hickory golfers from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. Additional input was received from organizations and individuals from other countries. The Society of Hickory Golfers – Europe (SOHG-EU) will be incorporated as a non-profit organization in a European country to be named in the near future. Membership in the Society will be open to organizations of…
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3-2-1 Happy New Year 2023
The Northwest Hickory Players’ 10th annual New Year’s Day outing on Sunday, January 1, 2023 has been scheduled at Lynnwood Golf Course near Edmonds, WA. We have seven tee times reserved starting at 10:00 a.m. Greens fees to be paid on the day of play. We will collect an additional $20 from each player prior to the round for the games and a swanky NWHP 2023 wall calendar. The game for New Year’s Day will be 3-2-1 Cha Cha Cha. This will be a team event with 3 net scores totaled on the first hole, 2 net scores on the second hole, one net score on the third hole, then…
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Sue Tracy Wins the Women’s Division at the World Hickory Open
By Tom Tracy Susan Tracy, of Star, Idaho, playing out of River Birch Golf Course, captured the Ladies Division of the 2022 World Hickory Open, played in the Highlands of Scotland on October 11-13. The W.H.O. annually draws hickory shaft enthusiasts from around the world to compete over classic Scottish courses. The great Sandy Lyle has won the men’s division twice. Tracy ran away with the gross competition, winning by 22 strokes on three difficult, world-famous links courses near Inverness. The 54-hole stroke play event was held over the links of Nairn, Castle Stuart and Royal Dornoch Golf Clubs in cool, blustery and sometimes wet conditions. She bested competitors from…
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2022 Black Friday Hickory Golf at Foster Links
Black Friday Foster Friendly Presented by NW Hickory Players Sandy and Jimmy Bucher invite you out for a stress-free, friendly hickory round at Foster Golf Links in Tukwila, WA. Tee times start at 10:00 AM with room for 24 players. The course restaurant will be open post-round for some warm food and hickory player camaraderie. Pay at the course: 18 walking $32.00 18 Senior-rate walking $27.00 Cart shared $18.00 per rider, or solo $28.00 Thank you to Sandy and Jimmy Bucher, hosts!
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2022 C.O.W. Cup | November 5 & 6
2022 COW Cup – November 5 & 6, 2022 Centennial Golf Club, Medford, Oregon COW Cup Returns to Centennial GC After Three Year Hiatus! Hickory players from California, Oregon, and Washington (and other states) are invited to the 5th Annual COW Cup. In the tradition of the Ryder Cup, the team from California is matched against the team from Oregon and Washington. Join us for the most fun hickory event of the year! SATURDAY, Nov 5 – Tee times start at 11:00 a.m. — Chapman format — Teams of two hit tee shots, and then play second shots hitting their partner’s balls. After both players’ second shots, the…
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Scotland Bound for the World Hickory Open
Western Gailes near Glasgow A handful of NWHP loyalists will be venturing over to Britain for 21 days of sheer links golfing pleasure, highlighted by three days at the 2022 World Hickory Open, held at Royal Dornoch, Nairn, and Castle Stuart. Those on the trip include trip-curator Chuck McCollom, master of ceremonies and veteran of Scottish golf excursions, Martin Pool, Roberta Robbins, John Henry Williams, Robert Birman, Ken Coleman, Kurt Olsen, Deal Hudson, and Tom and Sue Tracy who will link up with the travelling band for 5-7 days in the middle of the itinerary. (The Tracys are members of Tain Golf Club and are spending close to…
