For those of you planning way ahead, the 2016 U.S. Hickory Open dates have been moved up one week, to Sept. 8-10. Bill Ernst, the 2016 USHO organizer, says the host hotel, Heidel House, made an offer to reduce room rates from $109 to $79 per night. The hotel is a five-star resort that has just finished a $5 million renovation. Apparently, when they heard of the chance to snag the USHO, they jumped at the opportunity.

   Bill says he’ll post information on next year’s USHO as time proceeds.

   Meanwhile, we are looking forward to seeing everybody in Dayton, July 19-21, at the Miami Valley Golf Club.