FRENCH LICK, Ind. -- To say that Alan Grieve has a passion for hickory clubs is an understatement. The Queensland Australian native was the very first person to sign up for the United States Hickory Open Championship and traveled over 36 hours and nearly 10,000 miles to participate in the event at French Lick Resort in southern Indiana.
The trip was worth his while, as the 39 year old captured his very first hickory championship this week on the resort's historic Donald Ross course. Grieve shot rounds of 75 - 75 for a 36-hole total of 150 and a 5 shot victory over Rick Woeckener from Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Grieve, who has been playing hickory clubs for a year and a half, was looking for a new challenge in the game of golf and found it with hickory clubs.
"I wanted to change my game and give myself a challenge. I love playing hickory clubs. When you hit a good shot you know you hit it. It feels so pure unlike modern day clubs", said Grieve.
This was also the second hickory tournament he has played in and the first United States Hickory Open.
"I played in my first hickory tournament last year in Australia and took third place and decided I wanted to challenge myself even more, so I came to the United States to participate in their national event", Grieve said.
"I had a great week and this was the best I have ever played hickory clubs in back to back rounds. The Donald Ross course was a perfect setting for the event, but very tough as well. You have a lot of up hill shots, which can make it very challenging for hickory clubs. It was fun and exciting."
French Lick Resort was transported back to the golden age of golf this week as the historic resort destination hosted the largest field ever for the United States Hickory Open Championship presented by Mountain Valley Spring Water. Mountain Valley sponsors the Hickory Championship Series consisting of four national hickory tournaments.
The U.S. Hickory Open, which is run by the Society of Hickory Golfers, hosted 81 hickory golfers from 27 states, as well as Canada and Australia, who brought their hickory passion to French Lick Resort. Golfers were also encouraged to look the part, with knickers, plus fours, dress shirts and ties straight from the 19th century. Together with old-fashioned hickory-shafted golf clubs, the event truly was like going back in time.
"Having the largest field ever coming to French Lick Resort, as well as our new champion being from Australia is a testament to the growing popularity and passion not only in America, but also around the world for hickory clubs", said Chris Deinlein, President of the Society of Hickory Golfers. "We congratulate Alan for his superb play and also French Lick Resort for hosting a perfect event."
For more information about the United States Hickory Open, visit www.ushickoryopen.org.
For more information about French Lick Resort, visit www.frenchlick.com.
Media Contacts:
French Lick Resort
Dyan Welsh Duncan
(812) 936-5926
dduncan@frenchlick.com
Fusion Media Strategies
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
kevin@fusionmediastrategies.com
United States Hickory Open
Chris Deinlein
(218) 844-3377
cdeinlein@triad.rr.com
About French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project set upon 3,000 acres of scenic grounds. It encompasses both the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel, located about a mile apart, which have both been fully restored to their original sophistication and luxury. The casino was built adjacent to the French Lick hotel and opened in 2008. The West Baden Springs property, with its massive dome, re-opened as a hotel for the first time since 1932. The hotels combine for 689 rooms and free shuttle buses connect all amenities.
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