Duane Baylor reports:
The 45th playing of the Heart of America was played July 8-10 in Des Moines, Iowa, at Bright Grandview GC. Originally organized by Warren Olson, the event draws players from around the Midwest and beyond. The chief host is the Hickory Golf Association with friends and assistance from both the Golf Heritage Society and the Society of Hickory Golfers.
Larry Krebsbach was the Open winner with a two-day 163, followed oh-so-close by Gary Swenson at 164. The Senior victor was Kirk Watson with 153 (73 on Day Two!), followed by Paul Jensen at 167.
For the Statesmen, 70 and older, the champ was John Hutton with 163 and David Rasey in second with 171. The Ladies title was claimed by Jeanne Swenson with 177. Two teams in the Scramble division tied at 140: Duane Baylor, Ron Luster, John McKinsey and Tim Heddon formed one team; on the other were members of the Denton family.
Our venue, the Bright Grandview Golf Course, was built in 1902, one of the oldest courses in the country. With its age and beauty, Grandview is much shorter than most golf courses, but it is well protected by large trees and small greens with plenty of elevation. This golf course was designed by Warren Dickinson. With its full bar, newly renovated clubhouse and banquet room, it’s the perfect venue for hickory golf.
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- Heart of America host Bill Reed, seated, helps players get started on their rounds.
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- Duane Baylor is one of the stalwarts of Iowa hickory golf.
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- Tim Heddon, left and John McKinsey.
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- Tim Heddon plays to the par 3 No. 11 hole, which must carry a pond.
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- Tim Heddon, Ron Luster, and John Mckinney work their way to a green.
