May 6
Monterey, Calif.
Steve Henneuse reports : The inaugural 2018 Western Hickory Match Play was held in scenic Monterey, California at three favorite local courses; Monterey Pines, Pacific Grove, and the site of the 2017 U.S Hickory Open at Del Monte. A big thanks to participants from the South, the North and Arizona for making the event possible!
The championship intends to roam the western states where we hope to recruit participants from local playing groups. Next year’s gala will be held in beautiful Bend, Ore. San Diego, Calif. has been suggested for 2020.
The field was divided into four flights of elimination match play. The format was simple. Winners would continue on to play other winners and eliminated players duked it out in a second bracket for runner-up bragging rights. Included in the entry was a Friday and Saturday skins game.
As was the rule of the land in the day, the dreaded stymie was brought back to life for the competition with a stymie six-inch rule incorporated into each scorecard. Additionally, no player was allowed to mark and lift his/her ball on the putting greens. To further help re-create the days of old, players were asked to put aside their trepidations by teeing off each day from the first hole with a sand tee molded from the event’s sand box. Most were good sports and welcomed the challenge.
Girls rule! As is the philosophy of NorCal Hickory and as represented by the powerful Glenna Collett in our logo, ladies are considered equal competitors in all of our events. We do not set aside separate categories or flights for women, but instead mix the field together. Occasionally the gals prevail and are crowned tournament champions. The 2018 Western Hickory Match Play perpetual trophy will proudly display our newly crowned queen of Monterey, Roberta Robbins, who won the Joyce Wethered Flight. Great playing!
For more great photos of the event, please click here.
