World Hickory Match Play Championship June 16-18, 2014

[Mike Policano]

The 2013 US Hickory Champion, Jeremy Moe, head pro of Hardscrabble CC edged the 2013 World Hickory Champion, Paolo Quirici of Switzerland who played on the European Tour for several years, 1 up in 20 holes to win the Inaugural World Hickory Match Play Championship held at the St. Martins Course at The Philadelphia Cricket Club which hosted the US Open in 1907 and 1910.

The nine hole St. Martins Course was restored three years ago and provided an excellent forum for the competition which was limited to 32 of the best hickory golfers. The course opened in 1895, designed by Willie Tucker and was expanded to 18 holes in 1898. The first hole in one in US Open history was hit by Jack Hobens in the 1907 US Open. The nine holes remaining today include the the 7th, 8th and 9th which are essentially the same holes played to finish the two US Opens.

[Matt MacIver]

Congrats Mike and to all the organizers and participants, sounds like a wonderful event. I will eventually get a play set....

[Ed Brzezowski]

Would you know what the scores were or is it match play?

[Mike Policano]

Matt,

Thanks. We had competitors from five different countries and three countries were represented in the finals of the two divisions, the Championship and Players Division.

Ed,

It was match play, but the Championship flight had many 9 hole matches that were played at or below par. One competitor laughed that in his five matches three times his opponent shot 3 under for  one holes.

[Ed Brzezowski]

Must have been a blast. Just got a set and hope to have them all set by July.

I assume the yardage is under 3000?

[Mike Policano]

Ed,

The yardage was 2650. The greens are well protected with some significant slopes. The course was in great condition.

[Thomas Dai]

Replica/reproduction clubs permitted for play or only originals? Must competitors wear period clothing or is modern okay?
atb

[Mike Policano]

Tom,

Clubs had to be in compliance with Society of Hickory Golfers equipment rules. Each competitor was given two sleeves of reproduction golf balls which were required to be used.

Dress shirts, ties and either long pants or knickers were required.

[Paul Jones]

Tom,

Clubs had to be in compliance with Society of Hickory Golfers equipment rules. Each competitor was given two sleeves of reproduction golf balls which were required to be used.

Dress shirts, ties and either long pants or knickers were required.

Mike,

That sounds like fun. Do you a picture of everyone dressed up?

[Ben Hollerbach]

You can find some pictures here:

World Hickory Match Play