Carnoustie Country is preparing to bid farewell to the World Hickory Open.
After five years of Angus staging the competition, organisers are preparing the county’s swansong when players from across the world converge on the area for the 2016 championship over the Panmure links in October.
Organiser Lionel Freedman said: “We’ve enjoyed a wonderful five years of competing on Carnoustie Country’s wonderful links courses in and around the county of Angus and we’re leaving on a high.
“Panmure, which is an Open qualifying course, is steeped in history and tradition. Panmure is the world’s 16th oldest golf club and the Medal course was the site of Ben Hogan’s legendary practice rounds before he won the 1953 Open at neighbouring Carnoustie.
“Panmure Medal was also where Sandy Lyle won the 2014 World Hickory Open.
“The 2016 World Hickory Open is a great opportunity for hickory golfers of all skill levels to experience the game on a top class links course, using hickory clubs similar to those used by golfers at Panmure over a century ago and, if so desired, wearing traditional clothing of the era.”
The event is open to amateur and professional golfers and attracts many of the world’s top hickory golfers, including previous winners Paolo Quirici from Switzerland; Rick Valentine, who is the grandson of famous ladies golfer, Jessie Valentine; and last year’s winner, Andrew Marshall.
“During our time in Carnoustie Country, our reputation has continued to grow and the World Hickory Open is now an unmissable event in the international hickory golf calendar,” continued Lionel.
Hickory golf is becoming increasingly popular all over the world, with golfers enjoying the challenge of playing with hickory golf clubs and the camaraderie fostered by the challenging but enjoyable version of the game.
“Every year, there are more entrants and we’re currently on course to reach 120 competitors,” continued Lionel.
“They will be travelling to Panmure from 18 different countries, including Australia, Dubai, Germany, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and, for the first time, China and Japan.
“Carnoustie Country is incredibly popular with hickory golfers, possibly on account of the excellent links courses and rich golfing heritage of this area, where golf has been played for over 450 years.
“We will be sad to leave – but we’re really looking forward to our Carnoustie Country swansong in October.”
The Open starts on October 10 with a warm-up team competition, followed by the tournament on October 11 and 12, finishing with a special two-day International Triangular Match between teams from Europe, Scandinavia and The Americas, which will be played at Arbroath.
A gala dinner and prizegiving wraps up the event and entry forms can be donloaded from www.worldhickoryopen.com.
