Published: Thursday, 13th September, 2007 12:30pm

World Hickory Open returns to East Lothian

THE World Hickory Open returns to Craigielaw Golf Club this month and tournament organiser Lionel Freedman believes young Zack Saltman"s winning round of 67 last year will still be intact at the end of play this year.

The 19-year-old, who will enjoy home course advantage, beat off a host of professionals and his two older brothers Lloyd and Elliot last year to lift the world title.

Because of his amateur status he couldn"t pick up the winners cheque for £1,250, but that won"t be a problem for his siblings if they lift the quaich this year as both players are now professional after Lloyd played his last amateur event in the Walker Cup at the weekend.

Elliot"s move to the professional ranks earlier this year has proved successful after lifting his first PGA Euro-Tour event with a £10,000 winners purse recently and he will be eager to add to to his earnings.

Hickory clubs were used before steel shafts were introduced in 1935 and players must use clubs which were made before this date.

There is one change to this year"s format as six hickory clubs will be permitted instead of five.

The man behind the event believes Zack"s score will 'take some beating'. But with a larger field of professionals this year likely to tee-off in the event which has a £17,500 prize fund, the challenge should be a tough one.

'Personally I wouldn"t think Zack"s score will fall this year because it will take some beating,' said 73-year-old Freedman.

'It"s great to have the Saltmans playing because they are lovely boys and it adds to the tournament when you have young people playing with the old clubs.

'The event caused quite a stir at the club last year as it generates a great atmosphere and the standard of golf is still amazingly high, which proves the good players can play with any clubs.

'Everyone really makes an effort to dress up in the plus-fours and these events are certainly gaining some momentum in terms of popularity. These events are immensely popular in America.

'The PGA are right behind the tournament and I"ve received great support from local businsses and East Lothian Council.'

More than 40 professionals have signed up for the tournament, and Freedman anticipates a field of over 70 with teams from America, Sweden and France taking part as well as competitors from the Home Nations.

The tournament looks much tougher this year even without former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, who took part last year.

Professionals of the calibre of Dean Robertson (past winner of the Italian Open) and a number of Tartan Tour professionals such as Mark King, Alan Lockhart, Jackie Montgomery and David Patrick will all descend on the Craigielaw links course for the event in two weeks.

For more information on the tournament, contact 0131 665 4861 or visit www.worldhickoryopen.com.

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