February 2018 – Each year, for two days in February, the golfing world of Sun City West goes back in time about 100 years. The largest field of players yet, 73, found their way to the Sun City West, Pebblebrook Golf Course for the 2018 Arizona Desert Hickory Tournament. From across the USA and Canada along with Arizona players from Sun City West, Tatum Ranch, Buckeye, Pebblecreek, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Goodyear, players assembled to test their skills. The tournament supported categories for Championship, Senior, New To Hickory, Super Senior and a Ladies.
The weather provided perfect Arizona sunshine with cool morning and pristine afternoon playing conditions, creating a wonderful winter get-a-way for Northern visitors. Players and guests enjoyed the golf, hospitality, weather, prizes, and great fun!
The scoring provided some spectacular performances with many rounds posted in the 70s. John Kienle of Rio Rancho, N.M. was the overall Tournament Champion, shooting a great two-day performance of 75 / 77. Bill “Ernie” Ernst of Sun City West was the runner-up after a scorecard playoff with his long-time friend and rival Steve Simer of Cave Creek, Ariz. Both posted a two-day 157.
The Senior division was won by event host Ken “Hickory” Holtz of Sun City West, who put together his best ever two-day performance, shooting 147. Jeff Simonson of Sun City West was the runner-up carding 153. The New To Hickory Division winner was Andrew Robertson of Phoenix, with 147, followed by runner-up Stormy Narrowmore of Phoenix with 159.
The Super Senior Division was won by Matt Nelson of La Quinta, Calif., with 154 followed by runner-up John Mabry of Phoenix with 155. In the Ladies Division, the winner was Sharon Paumen of Cave Creek, Ariz., who turned in 167. Runner-up was Bonnie Klettke of Sun City West with 181.
Click here to see the entire Tournament Score Board.
Eleven-year-old Ryee Stoval, of Buckeye, Ariz., carded a first day score of 85 in the Ladies Division and earned a First place Ladies net with 116. Howard Lindsay of Cave Creek, playing in his first ever hickory golf event, made a hole in one on the 94-yard No. 8 par 3, with his Tom Morris niblick.
This year, Holtz and event organizers were proud to recognize their 2018 “Willie Noble” Hickory Humanitarian Award Honoree – Tad Moore of Selma, Ala. The award honors William Nobel, who passed away in September 2016, and was a long-time fixture at Arizona hickory events and a good friend to many.
“Thanks go out to the tournament committee, the Sun City West Golf Operational staff, Todd Patty, the Greens and Grounds Superintendent and for the support of all the players,” Holtz said. “A personal thank you also goes to Ron Dewoskin of Sun City West, for providing two wonderful vintage vehicles from his private collection for the event. Finally, the Saturday Night Tournament Hospitality was celebrated with special entertainment from Tim Polizzi’s Beatles-theme group. Thanks!
Dates for the 2019 tournament are scheduled for Feb. 23-24 with a practice round available on Friday, Feb. 22. For information about the tournament please contact Ken Holtz at k.holtz2430@gmail.com.
Arizona Desert Hickory Champions
11-year-old Rylee Stovall is already a hickory golf champion!
Tad Moore, left, is honored with the 2018 Willie Nobel Humanitarian Award.