Formats & Divisions
The National Hickory Championship offers competition in four divisions:
Three Championship Divisions
The Open Championship Division is a 36–hole scratch competition playing for the title of America’s National Hickory Champion using 19th century equipment and rules.
The Gentlemen’s Reserve Division and the Ladies’ Reserve Division also use 19th century equipment and rules; these Divisions are scored on a handicap basis for 36 holes.
The Sporting Division is open to men and women and features two nine–hole rounds for seniors and those not wishing to climb the hills twice in the same day.
Elmore Just Foursomes
The Elmore Just Foursomes Competition is staged on the practice day (Thursday) prior to the Championship rounds. Two–player teams play the historic foresomes format of alternate stroke for fun, prizes, and an appreciation of how golf was played in the early 19th century.
Competitive, yet fun, it is America’s hickory championship—the ultimate test of hickory golf. Contestants in the Championship play 36 holes in two days. Clubs must be original 19th century or approved replicas (available at Oakhurst, no charge, if you don’t have your own set) and all players use the same modern–made, low compression gutta–percha type balls supplied by the Championship. Tee shots are struck from sand tees. No golf bags are allowed so players carry clubs under their arm in the manner of the 1880s. There is a simple dress code. Although period costumes are not required, many golfers dress appropriately and prizes are presented to the “best dressed.” The NHC is like no other hickory golf tournament here, in Britain, or anywhere else in the world; it is authentic, competitive, historic, unique, and above all, fun!