In an earlier blog write-up I had asked if someone could help me find details on a particular golf event which happens every year with old hickory sticks and players sporting early century golf attire. I am now happy to report the event details have been found, and soon to be listed on Know2Go.
But first let me tell you how this happened… some time ago I had written a short emailo a few tee time buddies and past golf instructors, to prompt some golf fodder. It was titled ‘Great Moments in Golf’ and was about the possible over taking of the number one spot in golf – on the Official World Rankings, a position then held by Tiger Woods. Number two on the list, Phil Mickelson was trailing 8.66 behind TW’s 8.86 points going into the year’s first major and with a strong finish could over take Mr. Woods. Common knowledge at the time, Tiger had just won the Arnie Palmer event at Ball Hill after 8 months off with ACL knee surgery and Mr. Mickelson had two wins going into The Masters. In the world of golf – this was potentially huge. Well, it seems there is one golf instructor with entirely too much time on his hands. Apparently, he started poking around on Know2Go, and then onto the Blog where he stumbled across my request. June rolls around and he sees an article in Golf World magazine. Kudos to Chris and thanks for your email reply-
The Look of Nostalga...
Event overview: Each year during the first week of June at Oakhurst, in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia (North of Roanoke, but South of the Monongahela National Forest – in B-E-A-U-tiful country), golfers show up to play a round with hickory shafts, early design golf balls and if so inclined, sporting knickers or fours. According to the GW write-up Oakhurst is the oldest course in America, with only nine holes and less than 2,300 yards in length. Also, there are similar events played in Canada, Germany, England and Australia.
The Oakhurst event is listed as an Open, but if you are going you better get your hickory and start practicing. The drivers are small like today’s rescue clubs, the irons unforgiving and the gripes – a bit worn. Randy Jensen of Omaha, NE is the reigning champion with eight titles on record. Perhaps EBay is a good place to start looking if you don’t have an uncle’s attic to search or spare time for garage sales. But if your really serious Randy does operate a golf shop and can help you find equipment.
Whether you desire to attend next years National Hickory Championships or just want to show up at your next golf fund raiser sporting the nostalgic look – take a browse over at www.golfkickers.com they provide Free Catalogs 1-866.758.7444 and a nice selection in many sizes and colors. Help the memory of Payne Stewart and the tradition of golf live on.
Traditions...
