Society of Hickory Golfers
At the 2024 US Hickory Open at Kenosha CC
Founded in 1896 along the shores of Lake Michigan, KCC has it’s roots in hickory golf and is a charter member of the Western Golf Association which was started in 1899.
In spring of 1899, the club hired Willie Still of Monifieth Scotland as its first instructor. Willie was in charge of the grounds and clubhouse as well and made clubs for the members in the off season.
In 1900, Harry Vardon was the guest of President and Founder George Yule for 2 days of 36 holes/day competition against the members and a match with Willie Still. The matches were split, and the papers reported that Vardon was under the weather which affected his play.
Many tournaments were held on the old and present KCC grounds including multiple State Opens & active inter club play with north shore Chicago clubs & Milwaukee clubs.
Donald Ross was hired and spent 7 days here in 1920, staying at the brand new Elks Club which is now The Stella Hotel downtown Kenosha. Ross & Walter Hatch returned in 1921 to layout the greens and fairways with Hatch staying on to direct their own
crews during construction. Over the years members planted trees, fairways became narrower and the greens became smaller. Fortunately, no members or other architects made any changes to the course but 10 years ago it was apparent that a restoration
was needed.
Watch Here for Photos of each round as well as Champions Photos
