Sandy Lyle defends World Hickory Open title at Panmure on October 11-12

NEWS RELEASE

On October 11, the world’s top hickory golfers will tee off in the LinkedGolfers World Hickory Open, including the first British winner of the Masters and 2014 winner of the World Hickory Open, Sandy Lyle.

“I’m really excited to be returning to the World Hickory Open,” said Sandy Lyle, who won the 2014 title when the two-day tournament was last held at Panmure, near Carnoustie. 

“I was a relative hickory novice when I first played in this tournament two years ago but I’ve now been playing with hickories for almost five years so I’m looking forward to testing my hickory skills across Panmure’s historic fairways and greens once again.”

Sandy will be joined at Panmure by several other previous winners of the World Hickory Open, including hickory specialist Paolo Quirici from Switzerland; Rick Valentine, Director of Golf at Loretto School Golf Academy; and last year’s winner, Norfolk-based golf professional Andrew Marshall.

 “There are several other golf professionals, hickory experts and low handicap golfers who can’t be ruled out of becoming the overall champion,” stressed Lionel Freedman, co-founder and chair of the World Hickory Open.

As well as the trophy for the overall winner of the World Hickory Open, the Archie Baird Trophy will be awarded to the best amateur. 

“The past winners of this trophy – Rymer Smith from Buckinghamshire Golf Club and Cliff Martin of Bel Air Golf Club in Los Angeles - will both be competing in this year’s World Hickory Open, along with many other excellent amateurs,” added Lionel. “As in previous years, the Archie Baird Trophy will be as hotly contested as the overall title.” 

 PICTURE (by courtesy of Carnoustie Country): Organiser Lionel Freedman (left) and Sandy Lyle (p