More than 40 golfers gathered over July 10-12, in Des Moines, Iowa, to continue a long-standing tradition at the 49th Heart of America Hickory Championship.
The event, the oldest continuously held hickory tournament in the world, is hosted by hickory golf legend and former Golf Heritage Society president Bill Reed. Reed, who was honored by the SoHG as our 2018 Mike Brown Award recipient, travels around the country, participating in a staggering number of trade shows and hickory golf tournaments each year.
The Heart of America was first played in 1978 and previously rotated around several Midwest cities. Recently, it has found a home at the historic and beautiful Bright Grandview Golf Course, which dates to 1902. Bright Grandview features rolling hills, mature tree-lined fairways, and greens with confounding slopes. The course was designed during the hickory era, yet it has a large modern clubhouse, perfect for the meals and other events surrounding the championship.
Chris Conklin, winner of the event in 2023 and 2025, repeated this year. Morgan Hanson, who won the women’s title at the U.S. Hickory Open in 2025, won the ladies’ division.
Division wWinners :
Open: Chris Conklin, 73-77=150
Senior (60+): Scott Rosheim, 81-79=160
Statesmen (70+): Dave Hanson, 80-77=157
Ladies: Morgan Hanson, 81-79=160
Scramble: Ames Silversmithing/Youngberg family team, 60-60=120
Special commemorations are planned in 2027 for the 50th playing of the event. Dates are scheduled for July 9-11. Host Bill Reed is hoping for 100 players. Please join us!
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The players at the 2026 Heart of America Championship.
2026 Heart of America Champions. From left: Scott Rosheim, Chris Conklin, Bill Reed, Logan Youngberg, Gary Youngberg, Karen Youngberg, and Dave Hanson.