As the golfing industry convenes at the PGA Show in Orlando this week, it is important to reflect on the sport’s rich history while looking forward to its future. Exploring golf’s storied past provides valuable perspective on the innovations and developments that are shaping the game today.
Honoring Tradition at Winter Park
Winter Park, Florida, celebrated for its boutiques and small-town charm, is also home to a unique and remarkable event dedicated to golf’s heritage, the Winter Park Hickory Classic. The seventh annual classic, hosted by Bill and Elizabeth Geisler, exemplifies the enduring legacy of the sport. The event is held at the historic Winter Park Golf Course, (WP9) built in 1914, which stands as a testament to golf’s timeless appeal and the importance of maintaining traditions across generations.
The Winter Park Hickory Classic draws 48 hickory golfers from the United States as well as parts of Canada, all united by their appreciation for golf’s heritage. The gathering highlights the community values and traditions that continue to inspire golfers and enthusiasts alike, demonstrating how the legacy of hickory golf lives on in Winter Park.
Click here to view the WINTER PARK HICKORY CLASSIC VIDEO
Celebrating Golfing Achievements
Congratulations to Maitland, Florida’s, Wally Armstrong, who shot a 1-over par 71 with his vintage hickory clubs. At 80 years old, Wally Armstrong is well-known in the golfing world, having played more than 300 PGA events, including numerous U.S. and British Opens, the Masters, PGA, and Tournament Player’s Championships. In his first Masters tournament, he finished fifth and set a rookie scoring record of eight under par at Augusta.
The Lady’s Division was won by Champion BJ Hayden of Middleburg, Florida.
The Society of Hickory Golfers
In 2000, realizing the growth in hickory golf and understanding the need for standards for tournament play and guidelines for equipment and rules, a group of players met following the Golf Collectors Society annual meeting in Virginia Beach, Va. At this meeting were Tad Moore, John Sherwood, Ralph Livingston III, Chuck McMullin, Roger Hill, Randy Jensen, Winfield Padgett, and John Crow Miller. They are recognized as the founders of the Society of Hickory Golfers (SoHG) and Ralph Livingston III is recognized by founding members as the inspiration for the Society of Hickory Golfers and modern hickory golf.
Manufacturers have Embraced the Past
Club manufacturers like Tad Moore Golf, Selma, AL, Louisville Golf, Louisville, KY, Otey Crisman Putters, Selma, AL, BTI Golf, Edmonton, Alberta, and Hawes Golf, Greenly, Ontario continue to provide perfect replicas of hickory clubs played by the greats of the game. Step back in time and enjoy the history of hickory golf with these modern treasures.
Release submitted by:
Ignite Golf Network
Anthony, Florida
Beverly and Greg Wise
352-427-8703
Photos and creative by: Beverly and Greg Wise
