About the NHC
The National
Hickory Championship was established in 1998
to bring together golfers who enjoy playing golf in historic
conditions,
the way it was played before the turn of the last century. Playing
according to 19th century rules and using authentic 19th century
equipment makes the NHC the sternest test of hickory golf contested
anywhere. Open to all, the NHC draws the most ardent and accomplished
wood shaft golfers from across America and Canada.
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!
Oakhurst Links is America’s oldest documented golf course, first played in the early 1880s. It is the site of America’s first recognized golf competition, the Oakhurst Challenge, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.