Sandy Lyle wins World Hickory Open for second time

Sandy Lyle wins World Hickory Open for 

second time after opening 67 at Panmure

Sandy Lyle with his trophies at Panmure Golf Club. Photo courtesy of CarnoustieCountry.com 

© Andy Thompson Photography / ATIMAGES

Sandy Lyle has repeated his 2014 win in the World Hickory Open championship at Panmure, near Carnoustie. He put a lock on the 2016 title when he led the field by seven strokes after a first-round 67.

 

“I’m delighted to have won my fourth Major,” joked Sandy, winner of the 1985 Open and the 1988 Masters and many other titles, including the World Hickory Open 2014. “It’s been a fantastic few days at Panmure with a great championship and great golf.”

 

Joint runners-up were 2015 World Hickory Open winner, Andrew Marshall from Bawburgh Golf Club, Norfolk and Johan Moberg from Sweden. Both shot 74 in the first round.

 Rymer Smith from Buckinghamshire won the coveted Archie Baird Trophy, which is presented to the tournament’s top amateur golfer.

Switzerland’s Mauris Lauber won the 55-64 category, with Christopher Homer from Morecambe winning the 65+ category. 

The women's scratch title was won by Sweden's Brita Nord, while Ingrid Lind from the Emirates claimed the handicap title.

 

“Once again, everyone involved in the World Hickory Open, whether as an organiser or a competitor, has had a fantastic time in Carnoustie Country,” said Lionel Freedman, Chair of the World Hickory Open, as he presented Sandy Lyle with his trophy.

 “The enjoyment on everyone’s faces at the prizegiving is testament to what fun it is to play hickory golf, especially when added to the fun is the opportunity to play hickory golf on such a great golf course.”

 

Although the prizegiving marked the end of the World Hickory Open 2016, many of the competitors stayed to play in an international hickory team match at Arbroath , another historic Carnoustie Country course, on 13 and 14 October.

 

“The International Triangulation Match is between teams from the USA, Europe and World Hickory Select and is extremely popular,” said Lionel. “Last year, it was won by the World Hickory Select so it will be very interesting to see which team wins this year.”