News

Hickory golfers all over the world are currently preparing for the tenth anniversary of The World Hickory Open, which will take place at Carnoustie Country’s famous Open venue, Carnoustie Championship, from 19-23 October.

“As part of our tenth anniversary celebrations, the World Hickory Open 2015 is to be played at Carnoustie Championship course, seven times host of The Open, host of the 2016 Senior Open and the 2018 Open, and the highly-regarded links course Carnoustie Buddon,” said Lionel Freedman, Director and co-founder of The World Hickory Open.

“Carnoustie is a very fitting location for the tenth anniversary of our tournament,” continued Lionel. “The first World Hickory Open was held at Musselburgh, one of the oldest Open Championship courses, in 2005. It’s wonderful that in 2015 our hickory golfers are returning to Carnoustie Country to play on a links course which is a current host of the Open as well as being renowned for its golfing history and heritage.”

Jane Taylor, Carnoustie Country Golf Officer, added: “It’s great news that the World Hickory Open is returning to Carnoustie Country for the fourth year in a row, adding to our portfolio of exciting tournaments. This tournament attracts golfers – and media attention – from across the globe, further enhancing Carnoustie Country’s reputation as a world class golfing destination.”

Although the high profile tournament is still several months away, a large number of entries have already been received. “Over the years, the World Hickory Open has established itself as one of the top hickory golf tournaments,” said Lionel. “It attracts not only the best hickory golfers in the world but also top ‘modern’ golfers, such as last year’s winner, Sandy Lyle.

“An Open and Masters Champion winning the World Hickory Open gave an extra boost to hickory golf and we are very hopeful Sandy will return to Carnoustie Country in October to defend his title.”

So far, over 50 hickory golfers from Sweden, the USA, the UK and Switzerland have signed up for the World Hickory Open 2015, as well as hickory golfers from 12 other countries. “For the first time, we have entries from Norway and Singapore,” said Lionel, who added that almost 140 hickory golfers are expected compete in this year’s World Hickory Open.

“The chance to play hickory golf on Carnoustie Championship has certainly captured the imagination of the world’s hickory golfers.”

Although the World Hickory Open attracts many hickory specialists, Lionel stressed that the tournament is open to all hickory golfers, from novice to expert. “In fact,” added Lionel, “this year, to ensure all competitors have the best possible experience, we’ve spit the tournament in two. Hickory golfers with a scratch to nine handicap will compete separately from the high handicap golfers, with both competitions featuring a round on Carnoustie Championship and Carnoustie Buddon.”

The World Hickory Open 2015 will also feature a two-day international hickory golf match between teams from The USA, Sweden and The World Hickory Select. “We’re expecting there to be 20 players on each side – and lots of friendly rivalry between the teams as they play against each other at Carnoustie Championship, Buddon and Burnside,” laughed Lionel.

“There’s always a fabulous sense of camaraderie between hickory golfers – but there’s also a highly competitive side which always ensures the World Hickory Open’s international match is hotly contested!”

To find out more about the World Hickory Open 2015, or to download an entry form, visit www.worldhickoryopen.com. To find out more about the 34 Carnoustie Country golf courses within a 40-minute drive of Carnoustie Championship, including ‘stay and play’ packages, visit www.carnoustiecountry.com, ‘like’ the Carnoustie Country Facebook page or follow Carnoustie Country on Twitter.