The National Hickory Championship 2018

was established in 1998 to bring together golfers who enjoy playing as it was before the turn of National the century. Nineteenth century equipment and Hickory rules make the NHC the sternest test of hickory golf

anywhere. Open to all, the NHC draws the most ar- Championship

dent and accomplished shaft golfers from The most authentic and challenging across North America. Competitive, yet fun, it is hickory golf competition in the world

America’s hickory championship—the ultimate test Twenty-first Year of hickory golf. June 7-9, 2018

at the historic The three 2017 champi- ons pose with their tro- Mound phies following the com- Miamisburg, Ohio petition. Left to right: Women’s Champion Gillian Alexander, Car- NHC Tournament Office michaels, PA; Greg PO Box 3851 Smith, DeForest, WI, Mansfield, OHIO 44907

Reserve Division; Bill (336) 707-8376 Geisler, Winter Springs, (419) 709-9746 FL, the National Hicko- ry Champion. [email protected] www.hickorychampionship.org

he 2018 National Hickory Champion- ship is conducted over the historic Mound T Golf Course of the City of Miamisburg, Ohio. Contestants play 36 holes over two days. Clubs must be original 19th century or approved replicas (available for rent if you don’t have your own set) and all players use the same modern-made, line cut gutta percha-type balls available through the Garrett Beaver, Export, Championship and Brown-McIntyre Golf. shots PA, played in his se- are struck from sand . Golf bags are not permit- cond NHC in 2017. He is one of several junior ted. Players carry clubs under their arm in the man- interns that have come ner of the 19th century. There is a simple dress from the ranks of the First Tee program. In code. Although period costumes are not required, return for special, no- many golfers dress appropriately and prizes are pre- fee entries, the junior sented to the ‘best dressed.’ The NHC is like no interns assist in the running of the champi- other hickory golf tournament in America, Britain or onship, learning about anywhere else in the world. It is authentic, competi- golf history and tourna- tive, historic, truly unique and, above all, fun! ment operations. he Championship offers competition in four divi- T sions. The Open Division is a 36-hole scratch competition playing for the title of America’s National Hickory Champion under 19th century equipment and rules. The Men’s Reserve and Women’s Divisions also use 19th century equipment and are scored on a basis for 36 holes. The Sporting Division, open to men and women, features two nine-hole rounds for seniors and those not wishing to play the full 18 holes. Additionally, the Mike and Elmore Competition is staged on the practice day (Thursday) prior to the Championship rounds. Two- player teams play the historic format of alternate stroke for fun, prizes and an appreciation of how golf was played in the early 19th century. Practice time is also available on Thursday afternoon. Rule books are provided containing the 1891 unified code, the first general set of golf rules (with local Mound course provisions added). A welcome reception on Thursday and the Championship Dinner on Friday provide for socializing. Complimentary lunch is served in the clubhouse on the three competition days.

Top right: ready to play is the threesome of Chris Mason (Coker, AL), 2016 Champion Billy Wardwell (Turner Falls, MA) and Doug Brossman (Leesburg, VA); Coming off the last green are John Crow Miller (Dallas, TX) and his , Greg Smith (DeForest WI) and- Bern Bernacki, (Pittsburgh, PA). Some golfers use the X-shaped stand to elevate their clubs while making a shot to eliminate frequent bending over; Bottom left to right: Steve Simer (Madison, WI) and Bill Conant (Greenfield, MA) study their putts on the green. Dave Dickman (Dennis, MA) and Rob ‘Kilty’ Ahlschwede (Olympia, WA) relax on the lawn outside the Philadelphia Cricket Club clubhouse, site of the 2017 championship; Gillian Alexander (Carmichaels, PA) loosens the bowtie of Championship Director Pete Georgiady (Ontario, Ohio) after their round; Eddie Breeden (Upland, CA) in kilt ensemble shows how to carry clubs. There are no golf bags al- lowed in the NHC as was practiced in much of 19th century golf. 2018 National Hickory Championship Equipment Guide

Equipment Guide—19th Cent. Divisions Common clubs categorically allowed: (Open, Reserve & Sporting Divisions) (must be smooth faced) There is no limit to the number of clubs that can be carried.  Tom Stewart irons with NO registration legend

under the pipe mark Antique Woods:  Stewart irons with serpent mark Long nose, semi-long nose or bulger style; splice  All B.G.I. irons or semi-long head spliced woods head; should have marks and shape (significantly  All Willie Park irons or semi-long head spliced elongated—minimum 3” wide at narrowest part of th woods (including Compressed Patent) the club face) consistent with 19 century clubs/  Spalding made irons—from these model series makers. Please think twice about using a valuable an-  SPALDING (name only in block letters) tique wood driver.  “The Spalding” ***No short head splice or socket woods allowed.  Clan Replica Woods:  SMCo. As above. Approved long head wood clubs available  “Spalding Special” (script or block letters) from Louisville Golf Co., Tad Moore or Heritage (St.  Vardon Andrews).  Morristown (w/ no baseball mark)

Antique Irons:  Forgan with Prince of Wales plume mark Must be smooth faced and attributable (by markings)  Irons by Willie Wilson, Robert Wilson, Robert to 19th century origin. Irons with no markings must be White, John Gray and F&A Carrick inspected and approved before the tournament, or at ***No Non-wood shaft clubs allowed. prior GCS, SoHG or CHGA events. ***No Otey Crisman allowed. ***No Callaway Hickory Sticks allowed. Niblicks should be not greater than 2” high x 2.5” ***No Rubber slip-on grips. Leather wrap only. wide measured on the flat area of the face.

Replica Irons: Oakhurst and Tad Moore. Must be smooth faced. Others approved by the committee. Clubs made in the period 1900-1905 that th Antique Putters (wood): have the characteristics of 19 century clubs Any wood-shaft era (pre-1935) wood-headed in may be eligible to obtain a special exemp- the long nose, semi-long nose or transitional shape tion and be approved for NHC play upon ap- that is heel-shafted is allowed. This includes splice head and later 20th century socket head putters as long plication to the Championship Director/ as they are made in the „mallet,‟ long nose or semi- Equipment Committee. Photos required. long nose shape of the old style and heel-shafted.

Replica Putters (wood): Louisville Golf Company long nose wood head/wood GOLF BAGS shaft putters allowed. Others by committee approval, Open Division: following inspection. NO GOLF BAGS ALLOWED IN COMPETITIVE PLAY (allowed in practice or Foursomes) Clubs to be carried under arm, without bag. Antique Putters (metal): Metal head (steel or gun metal, i.e. bronze) blade put- th Reserve/Sporting/Women’s Divisions: ter or putting cleek only allowed if proven to be of 19 GOLF BAGS PERMITTED IN TOURNAMENT PLAY century origin by maker name or cleek mark. ONLY with medical waiver from Championship Director ***No Otey Crisman putters or aluminum head put- (allowed in practice or Foursomes) Clubs to be carried under arm, without bag. ters (Mills and other similar types) permitted.

***No Schenectadies, wood or aluminum All equipment used in the NHC Tournament is subject to au- thentication and approval by the equipment/rules committee. If in doubt, contact the Championship Committee as far in advance of the tournament as possible for a ruling. 2018 National Hickory Championship Dress Code

Gentlemen: Ladies: Open, Reserve & Sporting Divisions Women’s & Sporting Divisions

Trousers— Long trousers or Knickerbocker Skirt or dress—Approximately ankle trousers with knee socks (preferably solid length. color socks) only. Knickers are knee-length Blouse or shirt—Please try to use period and fairly tight. Prefer No plus-fours (i.e. style. No knit golf shirts. baggy, 1920s-style knee-trousers please!) or Hat—Attempt to maintain a period appear- plus-sixes. ance. No visors. Kilts - permitted. Don‟t forget the sporran! Accessories—Vest, jacket, sweater or scarf Shirt—Long sleeve shirt (roll up sleeves if allowed. Shoes, gloves, ties permitted as you get warm). No knit golf shirts. outlined for gentlemen. Since many lady‟s Tie (required for men)—Bow tie, neck tie, outfits have small or no pockets a small ascot or cravat. sack, satchel, basket or handbag is permitted Accessories—Vest or waistcoat allowed; for balls and „necessary‟ accoutrements. (modern) golf glove permitted. Shoes—Any style golf shoe permitted. Soft spikes, please. Apparel Philosophy: Hat—Must be appropriate for period. Wide The National Hickory Championship brimmed straw or felt hat, top hat, bowler or derby, flat cloth cap (Hogan cap) or short- is a golf tournament not a costume billed games or cricket caps. No baseball- party. Apparel is not expected to be type caps or modern visors. authentic 19th century but merely to replicate the general type of clothing Note: Overly floppy plus-fours and argyle worn by golfers of the period. Please socks are not permitted in the Open Division exercise good judgment but also be as and are discouraged from use in the Reserve comfortable as possible. Summer Division. These are more commonly seen in temperatures can be quite warm. In the 1920s. many of the past years’ events media outlets—newspapers, magazines, TV/ film—have been present and appreci- ate the 19th century image of the Apparel outlined in this guide is NHC. required for the rounds Prizes are presented for the best of competitive golf. At all other dressed man and woman at the NHC. times (Foursomes, practice, Friday is photo day and you may Thursday reception, Friday choose that day to look your best if you bring more than one outfit. dinner, etc.) casual clothing is allowed and encouraged

2018 National Hickory Championship

SECTION 1 — Championship Entry (Friday-Saturday, June 8-9, select one division) Amount OPEN DIVISION RESERVE DIVISION LADIES DIVISION SPORTING DIVI- MOBILE DIVISION Fee: $400 4 x 9 holes Fee: $400 4 x 9 holes Fee: $400 4 x 9 holes, SION Fee: $325 Fee: $400 4 x 9 holes in contesting for the title of Net Stroke competition. Net Stroke competition. 2 x 9 holes Stroke com- motorized cart. Net Stroke National Hickory Cham- Prior NHC, SoHG or Hcp. info required from petition. Prizes for men competition. Prior handi- & women (9 cap info re- pion. Scratch club handicap check new players. check check check check holes per quired. By stroke here info required. here here here here day) approval of Dir;

competition. spaces limited.

SECTION 2 — Practice Competitions; Thurs. June 7 No Fee

“Mike & Elmore Foursomes Competition”: Alternate stroke

competition. Partners assigned by blind draw on first tee; = 9 holes,

match may be 9 or 18 holes. Included with entry check check check here here here Select style of play; Clan Match for teams of

family-related players. ( Eight con-

testants receive individual invitations) Clan Stroke Play Open Match **Course open for practice after Foursomes** Match Foursomes Play 4-somes

Day,Evening or Cell) SECTION 3 — Purchase a color ad in the 2018 Program Advert ______(optional — receive extra copies) Championship Program,

support NHC juniors Deadline for ads is April 15

______check Business Card check

______Honor Roll

@ $5.00 here @ $10.00 here please please indicate

( (Include card or we’ll create one) Amount check check

1/2 Page $20.00 here Full Page $40.00 here Zip Code: Code: Zip

I will I bring own my 19th clubs*century Name of non playhing wife/guest attending wife/guest attending non playhing Name of SECTION 4 — Friday Evening Dinner, June 8

NHC Dinner: INCLUDED in entry fee for

Information

**Polo shirt size** size** shirt **Polo players. Friday night buffet-style dinner with (19th Century clubs subject to equipment committee inspection & committeeapproval) inspection subject to clubs equipment (19th Century cash bar. Indicate additional number of places ______Amount required for spouse, kids or friends: Number For extra dinners

Price: $60.00ea Kids under 15: $30.00

State: State:

(indicate (indicate metalshaft, wood shaft, or SoHG ______hcp.) SECTION 5 — Donation: The NHC donates clubs and fees for the The First Tee junior in- terns’ participation. Your generous optional donation of $10.00 (or more) helps defray our Amount

I will I rent ClubsMcIntyre ($100) junior golfer program costs. Thanks! Contestant Contestant

SECTION 6: Order Approved Golf Balls Indicate the number of Brown-McIntyre “Park” balls you

desire to purchase. Returning players may use balls from

______: : prior NHCs (“Park” only in Open Div, all three types al-

______lowed in other divisions). McIntyre balls available from

Dave Brown on line or on site. www.mcintyregolf.com/ ______

Number Handed McIntyre clubs please indicate McIntyre Handed please clubs Price: $12.00 each Park ……………………. — Amount

return this form (or copy) with check or money order to the address on reverse side address copy) the or reverse to moneyon return with order check (or form this

Price: $5.00 each Braid or Bramble…….. Number

______

______

Please make check or money order payable to Total Amt. Mail address Mailaddress

- “National Hickory Championship.”

Mailing Address: Address: Mailing City: Phone: E Name: Enclosed:

Once entry is processed fee is non-refundable.

Handicap or slopeor index: Handicap one: CLUBS:Check

**First time players (only)** players time **First Golfers requiring Left requiring Golfers

The 2018 National Hickory Championship Mound Golf Course — Miamisburg, Ohio June 7-9, 2018

For 20 years the most authentic, complete and rigorous hickory golf competition in the world

 Players wishing to bring their own clubs must follow the specifications provided in the Equipment Guide and have clubs validated by the Equipment Committee before the commencement of play;  Rental clubs available — Contact Pete for details  NHC entry fee includes 18 or 36 holes of tournament play as well as Mike & Elmore Foursomes Competition, practice time, lunches, refreshments, prizes;  Competitors may order balls on the entry form. Consult the Championship Committee for a list of approved ball types;  Appropriate dress is required (outlined on the accompanying page labeled Dress Code);  Divisions of competition include Open (scratch), Reserve (net), Women (net), Sporting (net), Mobile (net)  “Mike & Elmore Foursomes Competition” is a separate event with prizes, which precedes the start of the Championship;  The Championship dinner is planned for Friday night at the Watermark banquet hall, Miamisburg, with spouses, friends and families welcomed. Foursomes prizes and awards presentations following dinner;  Entry confirmation is subject to the approval of the NHC Championship Committee which shall determine eligibility as well as decide all questions regarding the rules;  Official NHC rule books are supplied to all golfers in arrival packets  First-time players must supply hcp information from their home club, assn., or from Society of Hickory Golfers;  To compete in the Reserve Division golfers should have two years prior NHC scores or established SoHG hcp.  Confirmation of entry acceptance will be communicated within 30 days of entry receipt

Waiver By completing this entry form, the contestant releases Mound Golf Course, City of Miamisburg, the National Hickory Championship committee and event sponsors from all liability

The Mound Golf Course was The National Hickory laid out by Alex “Nipper” Championship Campbell in the mid 1930s. is an open championship comprised Campbell came to the US in of two days play. It was the first 1898 and worked at the Coun- competition to truly replicate golf of try Club in Brookline, MA, the 19th century and serves as eventually moving to Cincin- America’s national championship of nati, then Dayton. wood shafted golf.

Mail Entry Form and Fee to: National Hickory Championship PO Box 3851, Mansfield, Ohio 44907 Questions? Phone (419) 407-9746 or (336) 707-8376 or e-mail [email protected] www.hickorychampionship.org