The National Hickory Championship got underway at Foxburg on Friday, June 3rd.
(Dave Staab photos)
Golfers have been swinging clubs at Foxburg Country Club since 1887. On June 2 - 4, 2022 the course stepped back in time as the oldest golf course in continuous use in the United States played host to the 2022 National Hickory Championship. The tournament has been in existence for twenty-five years but this is the first time ever this event was held at the historic Foxburg Country Club.
Back defending his championship from a year ago, Jason Kronenberger of Dayton, Ohio was anxious to defend his title. “This is our St. Andrews. This is the purest Gutty Golf you can get in the United States. So that’s why I love it. I hope more people come out here to enjoy the hickory experience, “Kronenberger, lamented.
Pictured right: Glenn Scheirer, Tom Johnson, and defending champion,
Jason Kronenberger.
Since the tournament is a national event, players travel from all over the United States to compete. The tournament is a two-day, thirty-six hole event with a practice round a day prior. On Thursday, June 2nd golfers also had the opportunity to enter the International Feathery Challenge, a 9-hole stroke play feather ball competition. Following was the IFC Mike and Elmore Foursomes Competition.
Event organizer, Pete Georgiady, on approach to hole #5, with another player and his lady golf caddie.
Championship play began Friday with golfers teeing off at 7:50 AM. The head tournament director of the National Hickory Championship is Pete Georgiady of Lebanon, Ohio. The National Championship featured four divisions; Open, Net, Women’s, and Sport. Fifteen golfers competed in the Open division with sixteen in the Net division.
The traditional kilt look.
The dress code is simple and apparel does not have to be authentic 19th century but many golfers replicate the clothing worn by golfers of the era and are required for the competitive rounds of golf. A tie is required for men. Casual clothing is allowed at all other times. (Practice rounds etc.)
Players compete for the 2022 National Championship, accompanied here
by a Sports Illustrated photographer.
(2nd from right)
Just as the apparel represents the era of play, the equipment that is used can come under strict guidelines. The clubs must be original 19th century or approved replicas. No golf bags are allowed and players must carry their sticks. The golf balls are a low compression gutta-percha type and are supplied to each golfer.
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