The 48th playing of the Heart of America Hickory Championship, the longest-running hickory tournament in the country, took place July 12 – 13, 2025 at the beautiful and historic Bright Grandview Golf Course in Des Moines, Iowa.
The tournament, founded by Warren “Ole” Oleson and previously highlighted in a Golf Digest article, has in recent years been hosted by hickory legend Bill Reed, former president of the Golf Heritage Society and former board member of the Society of Hickory Golfers.
Golfers came from as far as Texas, Colorado, and Florida to compete in five divisions. Winners were:
Open division: Chris Conklin of Overland Park, Kan., 77-72
Senior division (ages 60+): Kirk Watson of Ames, Iowa, 79-71
Statesman division (ages 70+): Danny Holcomb of Fritch, Texas, 79-77
Ladies division: Morgan Hanson of Fort Dodge, Iowa, 85-83
Scramble division: Ames Silversmithing team of Ames, Iowa, 63-60
Net winners were:
Open division: Thom Albert of Dunlop, Ill., 66-66
Senior division: Chris Palar of Ankeny, Iowa, 68-64
Statesman division: David Hanson of Fort Dodge, Iowa, 70-68
Ladies division: Jeanne Swenson of Kelley, Iowa, 77-73
Great camaraderie occurs and lifetime memories are made every year at this event. Kirk Watson’s closing 71 to win the Senior division was his best hickory round ever.
Pictured with the original championship plaque and the current championship trophy, above, are tournament host Bill Reed, right, and champion Chris Conklin. Hall of Famer Randy Jensen of Omaha, Neb., known as the ‘Hickory Tiger’, is the most prolific past winner of this event. Conklin previously won this event in 2023.
Next year’s tournament is scheduled for the second weekend in July at the same venue. Everyone is invited to join us in Des Moines!