Iowa is home to two long-running hickory golf events. The Heart of America tournament, held in Des Moines, is the oldest continuously held hickory tournament in the world. But the Iowa Hickory Classic, currently held in Fort Dodge, has its own fabled history.
The 2026 Iowa Hickory Classic was held at Fort Dodge Country Club. The course was originally designed by prolific architect Tom Bendelow in 1911, while he was employed by Spalding to design courses and promote the growth of the game. The course has been updated over time, so that it continues to offer plenty of challenge to today’s players, even if they are playing with modern equipment.
Dave Hanson hosts the two-day event. Each day offers a team event and contests for closest to the pin and longest putt. Saturday evening boasts a dinner and social at Golf Central, a wonderful downtown facility owned by the Hanson family with simulators and custom club fitting. Sunday afternoon, winners of the two-day stroke play event are crowned.
Participants came from close and far: Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado.
This year’s champions were:
Open: Chris Conklin of Overland Park, Kansas, 75-78=153
Senior (60+): Chris Palar of Ankeny, Iowa, 84-81=165
Stateman (70+): Mike Needleman of Overland Park, Kansas, 80-79=159
Ladies: Morgan Hanson of Fort Dodge, Iowa, 91-85=176
The Iowa Hickory Classic will return to Fort Dodge next August. All hickory golfers are invited!
Tournament host Dave Hanson, left, presents an award to the 2026 Senior champion Chris Palar.
2026 Statesman champ Mike Needleman receives a plaque from event host Dave Hanson.
Ladies champion Morgan Hanson receives a plaque from tournament host Dave Hanson.
2026 Iowa Hickory Classic Open Division champ Chris Conklin receives a plaque from event host Dave Hanson.
The field at the 2026 Iowa Hickory Championship.