13th October 4-6, 2020 U.S. Hickory Open Happy Hollow Club Omaha, Neb. Welcome! th U.S. HICKORY OPEN™ 13 The Happy Hollow Club Oct. 4-6, 2020 ebraska has a long history Railroad Museum. And just west of Omaha in Ashland, is Nin golf. Omaha’s Johnny the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, a must- Goodman won the 1933 U.S. Open see if you have time. Championship (the last to do so Happy Hollow Club began in 1907 on the site where A.H. with hickories and the last amateur Findlay laid out Omaha’s first golf course in 1893. Happy to do so) and then the 1937 U.S. Hollow moved to its current location in 1925 where a new Amateur. He also won three Nebraska 27-hole golf course was laid out under the watchful eye of Amateur Championships, three Trans William Langford. The course has changed through the Mississippi Championships and played years, remaining true to Langford’s vision of a challenging on three Walker Cup teams. test for the elite golfer while providing enjoyment for the Nebraska is home to many nationally ranked golf courses recreational golfer. including The Sand Hills, Dismal River, Prairie Club, Many thanks to the Happy Hollow staff, including Dave Omaha Country Club and of course, Happy Hollow Club. Schneider, PGA, general manager; Mike Antonio, PGA, Golf has been played in Nebraska since the 1880s. director of golf; and Scott Axon, golf course superintendent, There are many cultural activities to explore in Omaha, who brings the course to life every day. such as the Old Market area in downtown, Joslyn Art The welcome committee and Happy Hollow staff Museum, Durham History Museum at Union Station and want your 2020 Hickory Open at Happy Hollow to be the General Crook House Museum in the Fort Omaha memorable and historic. Please let us know if we can assist Historic District. Just over the river in Council Bluffs are in any way to improve your 2020 Hickory Open experience. the Historic General Dodge House and the Union Pacific Hit ’em straight! 2020 U.S. Hickory Open Organizing Committee and the Nebraska Hickory Golf Association Communication: Co-Chairs David Brown and Sponsor/Donations: Dale Hallock (Chair), COVER – The Happy Hollow Clubhouse Duane Baylor, Kevin Cawley, Dennis Joy II Jack McDonnell, Kevin Cawley and the historic Putter Boy statue that is Golf Committee: Hap Pocras (Chair), Mark Mowat, Reception /Trade Show: Rudy Thomas, the club’s logo. Mike Antonio, Ken Holtz Robert Ahlschwede, Tony Tubrich, Randy Jensen Promotion: The 2020 U.S. Hickory Open program is a copyright of Welcome Committee: Co-Chairs Duane Baylor and Tony Craig Christensen (Chair), Kevin Cawley, the Society of Hickory of Golfers. Tubrich, Rob Ahlschwede, HHC Staff Dave Schneider Produced and designed by James Davis. Finance: Program/Advertising: Cover photo courtesy Happy Hollow Club. Jack McDonnell (Chair), Kevin Cawley, Kevin Cawley (Chair), Printing by Moonlight Graphics, Grand Rapids, Mich. Mike Antonio Jack McDonnell, Dale Hallock, James Davis Raffle: Co-Chairs Pete Hanley and Brian Frevert, Doug Ruge Welcome to Happy Hollow Club n July 20, 1907, the doors of the Happy OHollow Club clubhouse were thrown open to the members for an evening of inspection, dinner, and dancing. Over 300 members and their families attended the Grand Opening. Here we are over 113 years later and the mission and vision of providing premier golf, social, and recreational experiences for its members, their families, and their guests has only become more prominent. Happy Hollow’s course a We are extremely honored to be the host of the 2020 United States Hickory Open. It is our highest priority showcase of traditional golf to provide you one of the most memorable experiences rom its founding in 1907 to 2020, some five generations of during these trying times. You have our commitment. FOmahans have enjoyed golf and good times at the Happy We trust that our William Boyce Langford and Hollow Club. The original 11 acre-purchase included two homes Theodore Moreau-designed layout will be a tremendous owned by the Patrick family who were known for lavish parties test to host this year’s championship. in Omaha society at their home, known as the “Happy Hollow Our entire staff welcomes you and wishes you all the Home.” The name “Happy Hollow” was retained in the spirit of best in this prestigious national championship. these festive gatherings. The main Patrick home was remodeled to provide a modern clubhouse. The adjoining home was converted into men’s locker rooms and lounges. Sincerely, The Grand Opening in 1907 did not feature intoxicating li- quors, but it was a grand success nonetheless. Dave Schneider, PGA, CCM The golf course was completed in 1908 and was described by an General Manager early member as “...peculiarly interesting in that it presents to the Happy Hollow Club golf fiend almost every known kind of hole.” Other sports at the club featured baseball, archery, lawn bowling and tennis. In addition to the original 11 acres, the Club leased an adjacent 90 acres for 15 years. As that date drew near, directors began look- ing for a new home. On Sep. 16, 1922, they ratified the purchase of 20 acres of farmland seven miles from the heart of Omaha, on 2000 plan for further course improvements. Jacobson Golf Course the current site. The price was $85,000. Another 120 acres was Design of Chicago was hired in 2006 to develop a master plan for leased with an option to buy for $425. course improvements to Happy. Langford & Moreaux, golf architects from Chicago, were hired Turf on the greens and fairways was killed off and replanted with to build the golf course over 230 acres. Their estimate to complete a better turf variety. In addition, six holes were redesigned with the work was $105,000, although the total final cost was more remodeled bunkers and tee-box improvements. The 10th hole, in than $150,000. particular, saw a major revamping with a totally rebuilt green. The new course – described as the best 27-hole links course in Bring your A-game. Happy Hollow’s course presents a fabulous the Midwest – was opened to play on Oct. 31, 1924. Bonds were test of golf that, while modernized and improved, has its founda- sold and fees assessed to build Omaha’s first permanent country tion solidly in the hickory-era. You will see those “bones,” and club home, which opened to a grand gala in May 1925. be able to appreciate the fine eye for detail and golfing challenges Club finances and membership struggled during the Great presented by architects Langford & Moreaux. Depression and World War II, a common history with golf clubs throughout the nation. Following the war, legal matters came to a head with the result that a financial reorganization and the timely loan from real estate investor John Hanson helped to establish the club as a solvent corporation. The succeeding three decades saw many steady renovations and improvments culminating with the 1986 reconstruction of the course under course architect Bob Lohmann. The holes were reconstructed three holes at a time from 1987 to 1994. Three additional holes were created during this period so that members would always have 18 holes available to them. NO. 3 AT HAPPY HOLLOW. Best play a bit left, take your two-putt and move Additional changes followed to Club amenities including a mid- on, according to local knowledge. 13th U.S. HICKORY OPEN™ Schedule The Happy Hollow Club Oct. 4-6, 2020 13th U.S. Hickory Open Oct. 4-6, 2020 Sunday, Oct. 4 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Registration at the Pro Shop. All Day Practice Round – Arrangements made ahead of time at the Pro Shop, 402-391-0239. 6:30-9 p.m. Welcome party in the Ballroom. Cocktail and hors d’oeuvres. Trade show and raffle display in the Ballroom. Monday, Oct. 5 – First Day of Competition. 7-10 a.m. Breakfast (Cryroom in the Clubhouse) Welcome to Happy Hollow Club 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tee times off No. 1 and No. 10. It is with great pleasure and pride that we welcome The 2020 United States Hickory Open 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. participants to Happy Hollow Club, home of the Lunch to go at the turn. Nebraska Hickory Golf Association here in Omaha. 6 p.m. We are very proud of our club, its members and Cocktails on the front lawn. staff. We hope that your time here at HHC is a 7 p.m. wonderful experience and that you play some of your Dinner, main dining room. best golf ever. Speaker – Dr. Gary Wiren. To follow dinner. Please make yourself at home and allow us to serve you. Mike Antonio Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Second Day of Competition. Director of Golf 7-10 a.m. Breakfast (Cryroom in the Clubhouse) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tee times off No. 1 and No. 10. 1-2:45 p.m. Lunch in the main dining room. 3 p.m. Awards presentation, main dining room. Schedule is subject to change. Thank You 2020 USHO Donors & Raffle Partners! Thanks to these generous participants, the USHO and the Society of Hickory Golfers is stronger and able to do more to promote the game. Please visit their websites and support them in kind. Companies Debbie & Dale Hallock Dale Hallock Omaha, Neb. Omaha, Neb. Beardmore Subaru Omaha, Neb. Rose & Jim Hassenstab Ross Hays www.beardmoresubaru.com Omaha, Neb. Tampa, Fla. Randy Jensen Jack McDonnell DLR Group Omaha, Neb. Omaha, Neb.