The 2025 U.S. Hickory Open this past Oct. 4-5 was surely one for that will be long remembered for its over-the-top service to SoHG members. The 2025 organizing committee from the Hickory Golf Association of Texas – Scott Pilgrim, Alan Alison, Michael Sloan, Sam Sinclair, and their chief ringleader, the colorful Gary Krupkin – seemed to leave nothing to chance when it came to creating a “grand occasion.”
The gentlemen roamed the area, made phone calls far and wide, called in favors, and made in-person visits to secure silent auction items, sponsor and donor gifts, and a player gift bag rivaled only by Santa’s yearly sack of gifts. Highlights were a Calamity Jane replica putter provided by Louisville Golf and a BTI Golf replica niblick.
Players and guests stayed in the old Arlington Hotel, an 1875 gem with a restored lobby that has retained much of its charm and regal appearance. The local Hot Springs business community went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome, even sponsoring the opening reception.
Players with whom we spoke were unanimous in their praise for the way they were treated from the very outset. The host committee outdid themselves in providing near daily updates as the event date neared.
Held at the Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, Ark., on a course designed by Willie Park Jr., (Barry Howard, general manager; and Phillip Holley, PGA Professional), the tournament weathered a few bumps, but overall was deemed a challenge worthy of a USHO.
Mark Laken, 26, of Kenosha, Wisc., repeated as champion, having won in 2024 on his home course at the Kenosha Country Club. His two-day 150 was two better than Adam Shiffermiller (Rapid City, S.D.). That score also earned him the John Fischer Low Amateur Award, this for the second year as well. That award is named for John Fischer II, the great American amateur player who won the USGA Amatuer in 1936, with hickory clubs no less, the last player to win a major USGA title with such clubs.
Morgan Hanson, 25, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, took the women’s title with a 165. She was in good form, having just a week or so earlier won the Nebraska Hickory Open women’s title. She bested Rylee Stoval of Litchfield Park, Ariz., the 2022 and 2024 USHO women’s champion who was hoping for a repeat. Hanson was just too tough this year, cruising to her victory with an 8-shot margin.
Gary Youngberg, left, was the Senior Champion, and John Henry Williams the Super Senior Champ.
For the Seniors, it was Gary Youngberg (Ames, Iowa) who, with a two-day 160, nipped Steve Simer (Cave Creek, Ariz.)by a stroke for the victory.
The Super Senior titleist was Oregon’s John Henry Williams, whose 161 was also a one-stroke victory. Second was Kent Potts, one of the many residents of Sun City West, Ariz., the home of the annual Arizona Desert Hickory Classic.
The 26-year-old Laken said he was glad to be able to attend and defend his title. Prior to this event, he had only been playing hickories on his home course, so the challenge was there to conquer a new track, especially the greens and tough pin placements.
He took a cart so that his grandmother, Nancy Laken, could follow him around and serve as his “acting” caddie. “She definitely helped in supporting me all weekend,” he said. “I wouldn’t want anyone else there to be my caddie.”
“The course was phenomenal,” he said. “I’m a big fan of the layout and they keep it in great condition.”
He found the going tough the first day, especially his chipping, but felt he was getting his groove on the second day. Adam (Shiffermiller), Cory (Kirkwood) and myself were all playing great golf, so I knew the tournament wouldn’t be over until the last hole was finished, anything could happen at any time, but I held out.”
Laken paised the event’s organizers saying they “definitely went above and beyond this year and put on a great event. It was a lot of fun and I was happy to be a part of it.”
He says he would love to defend his title in Gearhart next year, but much depends on his work schedule.
Women’s champion Morgan Hanson plays at the Fort Dodge Country Club in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She echoed Laken in praising the course’s condition at Hot Splrings. “It was in great shape. The greens were very tough to read with a lot of subtle breaks.”
She noted that her playing competitors, Rylee Stovall and Marci Likens, both had more experience in a USHO than she does, but “they pushed me to play my best game.”
Hanson has been a hickory golfer for just over a year. “I try to play them when I notice I need to go back to technique, and slow my tempo,” she said. “I played six hickory tournaments this year, but competing in a USHO is a pretty awesome experience, and really exciting.”
Hanson is unsure whether she will attend the USHO in 2026.
Click here to view the Open Division results.
Click here to view the Senior Division results.
Click here to view the Super Senior Division results.
Click here to view the Ladies Division results.
USHO Photography
USHO photographers Greg and Beverly Wise have posted dozens of photos from the event, including individual shots of all players, to their website.
Click here to view them and download the keepers!
Morgan Hanson is the 2025 U.S. Hickory Open Women’s champion.