6th Annual Arizona Desert Hickory Break Records

Each year, two days in February, the golfing world of Sun City West goes back in time about 100 years … The largest field of players yet, found their way to Sun City West, Pebblebrook Golf Course for the 2018 Arizona Desert Hickory Tournament. From across the USA and Canada along with playing groups from Sun City West, Tatum Ranch, Buckeye, Pebblecreek, Scottsdale, Surprise and Goodyear players assembled to test their skills. The tournament supported a field for Championship, Senior, New To Hickory, Super Senior and a Division of Lady Players.

The weather provided perfect AZ sunshine with cool morning and pristine afternoon playing conditions, creating the wonderful winter get-a-way for our visitors from the North. Players and guests enjoyed the golf, hospitality, weather, prizes and great fun!

The scoring provided some spectacular performances with many rounds posted in the 70’s: John Kienle of Rio Rancho, NM was our overall Tournament Champion, shooting a fine 2 day performance of 75 / 77, and Bill “Ernie” Ernst of Sun City West, AZ was our runner up. Ernie won 2nd in a scorecard play-off over Steve Simer of Cave Creek, AZ, shooting 82 / 75.

Our Senior division was won by Ken “Hickory” Holtz of Sun City West, AZ. Holtz put together his best ever two day performance, shooting 75 / 72. Jeff Simonson of Sun City West, AZ was our runner up carding 81 / 72. The New To Hickory Division winner was Andrew Robertson, Phoenix, AZ with 73 /74 and the New To Hickory Runner Up was Stormy Narrowmore of Phoenix, AZ with 84 / 82 and our Super Senior Division was won by Matt Nelson of La Quinta, CA with 75 / 79, Runner UP in Super Super Senior was John Mabry of Phoenix shooting 75 / 80. Our Ladies Division, won by Sharon Paumen of Cave Creek, AZ shooting 83 / 84 and Runner Up was Bonnie Klettke of Sun City West with 88 / 93. Please see the Tournament Score Board & Photos for list of all competitor performances and our Net Winners & Runner Ups.

Additional Highlights!
Eleven year old Ryee Stoval, of Buckeye, AZ, carded a first day score of 85 in the Ladies divsion and ended up winning 1st place Ladies net. Howard Lindsay of Cave Creek, playing in his first ever hickory golf event, made a hole in one on #8 94 yard par 3, with his Tom Morris Niblick. And we were proud to recognize our 2018 “Willie Noble” Hickory Humanitarian Award Honoree – Tad Moore of Selma, Alabama.

Special Thanks. Thanks go out to the touranament committee, the Sun City West Golf Operational staff, Todd Patty Greens & Grounds Superintendent and the support of all the players. A personal thank you also goes to Ron Dewoskin of Sun City West, for providing two wonderful vintage vehicles from his private collection for the event. Finally, the Saturday Night Tourmanment Hospitality was celebrated with special entertainment from Tim Polizzi’s Beatles themed group. Thanks!

Dates for next year’s 2019 tournament will be Saturday / Sunday February 23 & 24 with practice round available on Friday 2/22. For information about the tournament please contact Ken Holtz k.holtz2430@gmail.com and for more information about hickory golf to www.hickorygolfers.com