Slowly but surely David Webster is establishing a solid New England hickory classic. The event has a few things going for it, not the least of which is the 1926 Donald Ross classic, the Lake Sunapee Country Club course on which the event is played. The course, which Ross expert Ron Forse helped restore to its original look, features lovely views of the surrounding mountains, those fun-to-putt Ross greens and a very walkable layout. And then there is the draw of New England in the summer, a season in which the entire region exults.

Then there is ‘The Squire’ connection. Lake Sunapee was the home and club of golf legend Gene Sarazen during the last 30 years of his life. His influence is still felt today. Who wouldn’t want to hit a few hickories on the same course that was his home base.

For 2024, the event has been re-christened the New Hampshire Hickory Open and is scheduled for July 11. Webster uses Low Gross and Net Stableford scoring in a bid to accommodate all players, who, to date, have come from all corners of the country.

People playing in this event have an opportunity to play for free on the following day at the Profile Club in Lincoln, N.H. “The Profile Club is an A.H. Fenn design, a real country, rustic nine-holer,” says Bill ‘Wardy’ Wardwell, one of the event’s hosts.

Webster promises more details will follow, but asks interested players to let him know of their intent to play.
Email him at dzweb@earthlink.net or by cell at 407-415-7270. 

Gene Sarazen