Playing pre-1935 hickory shafted clubs, 99 players celebrated the 11th Arizona Desert Hickory in Sun City West, Ariz. Equipped with vintage equipment, and attired in knickers, argyle socks, woolen caps and vintage outfits, they challenged Grandview & Pebblebrook Golf Courses in grand style over a two-day competition during the last weekend in February.
Players from across the USA and Canada, and a few international contestants, joined with Arizona hickory golfers from to compete. The tournament supported a field for Championship, Senior, New To Hickory, Super Senior, Legends 77+ and a Division of Lady Players.
The weather provided a beautiful first round of Arizona sunshine, followed by some brisk Scottish style weather on the second day. Course conditions were excellent. Out-of-town visitors enjoyed their respite from winter weather elsewhere. Players and guests enjoyed the golf, hospitality, entertainment, weather, prizes and fun.
In the Championship Division (59 & younger); Matt Stovall of Litchfield Park, Ariz., was our overall Tournament Champion, with a two-day performance of 74 / 80; winning a scorecard playoff over Ben Plaunt of Beaumont, Alberta, Can., taking runner up position, shooting 77 / 77.
Among the various honors and prizes, tournament host Ken Holtz awarded the annual Willie Noble Humanitarian Award to Cal and Janet Whitman for their efforts in promoting hickory golf around the world. The two seem to be always on the road, international trips included, and try to bring a little fun and hickory enthusiasm wherever they go.
Calvin and Janet Whitman at the 2023 Arizona Desert Hickory Classic where they were awarded the Willie Noble Humanitarian Award.
Click here for a PDF of complete results and tournament photos.