A record seventy-four hickory players from around the USA, Canada and including Johannesburg, South Africa came to Sun City West, Ariz. and the Pebblebrook Golf Course to compete in this year’s Arizona Desert Hickory Tournament.
The tournament supported a field for Championship, Senior, New-To-Hickory, Super Senior and a Division of Lady Players.
The weather offered perfect Arizona sunshine with temps in the 70s, creating a great winter getaway for our visitors from the North to get a chance to play in the sun! Players and guests enjoyed the golf, hospitality, weather, prizes and great fun.
Matt Stovall of Buckeye, Ariz. was our overall tournament champion, shooting a fine 75 / 76, and Steve Simer of Cave Creek, Ariz. was our runner-up. Simer was not far behind shooting 76 / 78. Stovall, who is relatively new to hickory play, delivered consistent shot making and had the advantage of his 10-year-old daughter, Rylee, as his caddie.
Our Senior division ended in a tie with a score card playoff awarding the win to Hugh Cameron, Corunna, Ont., Canada; and in second place was last year’s Senior Champion, Jeff Simonson, of Sun City West, also shooting a 148 two-day total. The New-To-Hickory Division winner was Mark Timms, of Scottsdale, with 79 / 74 and our Super Senior Division was won by John Mabry of Phoenix with 76 / 73. Our Ladies Division also finished in a tie between Donna Richmond and Pam Rowland, both of Sun City West. However, Donna prevailed as the champion in the score card playoff. Please see the Tournament Score Board and photos for a list of all competitor performances. CLICK HERE for full tournament results.
Dates for the 2018 tournament will be Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25, with practice round available on Friday the 23rd. For information about the tournament please contact Ken Holtz k.holtz2430@gmail.com.
