7th Annual – Arizona Desert Hickory “Success”

Each year, two days in February, the golfing world of Sun City
West goes back in time about 100 years … 75 players found their way to Sun
City West, Grandview & Pebblebrook Golf Courses for the 2019 Arizona Desert Hickory Tournament,
conducted on 2/23 and 2/24/19. From across the USA, Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark 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 preceeding the event on Thursday brought hail, wind and rain and chilly temps. But on
Saturday and Sunday the AZ sunshine with cool morning and pristine afternoons provided perfect
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: Steve
Simer of Cave Creek, AZ was our overall Tournament Champion, shooting a fine 2 day performance
of 72 / 78, and our 2018 Champion, John Kienle of Rio Rancho, NM took 2nd shooting 78 / 79.

Our Senior division winning score of 159, finished in a threeway tie between: Vernon Goodwin 79 /
80, of Phoenix AZ, Chris Reems 82 / 77 of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta Canada and Ken Holtz 84 /
75, of Sun City West. Vernon was our ultimate winner, Chris took second and Ken finished third
(using a scorecard playoff).

The New To Hickory Division winner was Kim Braly of Scottsdale, AZ with 86 / 91 and the New To
Hickory Runner Up was David Thomas of Sun City West, AZ with 85 / 94 and our Super Senior
Division was won by Matt Nelson of La Quinta, CA with 82 / 73, Runner Up in Super Super Senior
was John Mabry of Phoenix shooting 81 / 76. Our Ladies Division, won by Susan Tracy of Star,
Idaho shooting 88 / 88 and Runner Up was our 2018 winner, Sharon Paumen of Cave Creek, AZ with
92 / 85.

Please see the Tournament Score Board & Photos for list of all competitor performances and our Net
Winners & Runner Ups.

Additional Highlights!
We are very proud to recognize our 2019 “Willie Noble” Hickory Humanitarian Award Honoree – Steve
Simer of Cave Creek, AZ / Madison WI. Also, since this was our 7th annual event and over 450
players have participated through the years, William Murphy won the Collectible Tee Gift Award for
being one of the 6 players present this year, to have played in all 7 events.

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 Janet Whitman of Riom IL for providing our photograhy. Finally, the Saturday
Night Tourmanment Hospitality was celebrated with special entertainment from Tim Polizzi’s Beatles
themed group. Thanks!

Dates for next year’s 2020 tournament slated to be Saturday / Sunday February 29 & March 1st with
practice round available on Friday 2/28. For information about the tournament please contact Ken
Holtz k.holtz2430@gmail.com and for more information about hickory golf to www.hickorygolfers.com