Season opening of the Hickory Society Cologne – knickerbockers, calf-length skirts, vintage clubs

Golf as it was 100 years ago: On 25 April 2026, the private initiative “Hickory-Society Cologne” will host its season opener at the Royal St. Barbara’s Golf Club in Dortmund – a sporting event of a special kind that transports players back to the 1930s and leaves spectators in awe: Gentlemen are requested to wear a shirt, waistcoat, bow tie or tie, knickerbockers and a flat cap; ladies should wear skirts, blouses, fitted jackets and a hat.

It’s not just the clothes; the golf clubs are stylish too: Only clubs manufactured before 1930 with hickory wood handles may be used. This particularly strong, hard and durable wood from the hickory tree, a member of the walnut family, was used until the middle of the last century to make the shafts of baseball bats and golf clubs. Today, it is the namesake of the vintage version of the sport of golf.

The hickory scene in Europe is growing steadily – in Germany, the scene is still relatively small, but is attracting more and more fans. Hickory golf is a more laid-back affair than modern golf: Electric trolleys, rangefinders and other technical gadgets are not permitted – it’s all about the joy and aesthetics of the traditional game.

Our platform offers newcomers interested in the sport access to hickory equipment, and provides experienced hickory players with information about events in the community. In addition, we organise workshops in collaboration with the club’s local pros and provide clubs on loan.

Amateurs and professionals are warmly invited to take part in the tournament on 25 April 2026.

Click here for a registration form.

We would be delighted if you could share this information with your interested members and friends.

Also, information and registration can be found by emailing: carstenmarks@web.de

Tradition & Passion
Andreas Biste – President