Event host Ken Holtz reports on another great winter visit to the desert for hickory golfers.
Playing pre-1935 hickory shafted golf clubs, 105 players celebrated the 14th annual Arizona Desert Hickory in Sun City West. Dressed in knickers, argyle socks, woolen caps, and equipped with vintage equipment, they challenged Grandview & Pebblebrook Golf Courses in grand style over a two-day competition, Feb. 28-March 1. The course conditions and greens were in excellent shape.
The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the 80s for players from across the USA & Canada. Local players came from Sun City West, Tatum Ranch, Buckeye, Pebblecreek, El Mirage, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Surprise, Payson, Sedona and Goodyear. The tournament supported a field for Championship, Senior, New To Hickory, Super Senior, Legends 78+, and Ladies.
Our out-of-town visitors thoroughly enjoyed their getaway from winter to our beautiful SCW community. Players and guests enjoyed the golf, hospitality, entertainment, weather, prizes and fun.
The great weather inspired some spectacular scoring, too. In the Championship Division from the White Tees (age 59 & younger), Matt Stovall (Lufkin, Texas), was our overall Tournament Champion, shooting a fine two-day performance of 78/75. Scott Marsh (Phoenix), took runner up with 78/77.
In the Senior Division (age 60-69) from the Gold Tees, the winner was Rick Pruneau (Sun City West) with 76/73. Second place was captured by Cliff Martin (Scottsdale) shooting 76/74. Steve Simer (Cave Creek, Ariz.), took third with 78/74.
The New To Hickory Division winner, from the Gold Tees, was Mike Winters (St. Charles, Ill.), shooting 83/80. Runner Up was Bill Weitz (Phoenix) scoring 83/84. Both gentlemen had only played hickory golf a few times before.
The Super Senior Division (age 70-77) from the Red Tees, was won by Ed Fitzgerald (Beaverton, Ore.), shooting 75 79. Bert Coghill (Evan, Ga.), shot 78/76 to tie Fitzgerald and was awarded second place after a scorecard playoff. Don Jackson (Sun City West), won third with 80/76.
In the Legends Division (age 78+) from the Red Tees, the winner was by Phil Belt (Hot Springs Village, Ark.), shooting 81/78. Runner Up was Lyle Rowland (Sun City West), 84/76, in a scorecard playoff over Gary Smith (Cave Creek, Ariz.) who shot 80/80.
The Ladies Division from the Green Tees, was won by Sue Tracy (Star, Idaho) who shot 79/82. Our Runner Up was Mary Burgland (Galesburg, Ill.) with 87/91.
Best Dressed Awards went to Roberta Robbins (Kenmorg, Wash.) and Ron Wright of Williston, N.D. Entertainment was provided by Byron Brothers with both dancing and song.
Charity Benefits, too. Sandy Guerard (Sun City West) organized a Ladies’ 9-Hole Hickory Scramble at Echo Mesa Golf Course. The outing also raised funds for Pups and Warriors Side by Side. This non-profit breeds, raises, trains and pairs service dogs with veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD. Twenty-four ladies dressed up and had great fun while raising $875 for this great charity.
The ladies scramble at the Arizona Desert Hickory Classic raised $875 for a veterans and first responders charity. (In case you were wondering, that’s an AI background generated for the photo.)
A big thank you to the tournament committee, the Sun City West Golf Operational staff, grounds superintendent Todd Patty, and the support of all the players. A personal thank you to our Tournament Volunteers!
Dates for the 2027 and 15th annual AZ Desert Hickory tournament is scheduled for the last weekend in February. For information about the tournament, contact Ken Holtz k.holtz2430@gmail.com and for information about hickory golf visit the Society of Hickory Golfers at www.hickorygolfers.com.
Click here for a PDF of the event results along with photos of all the winners.