Hickory Rules-Society of China Hickory Golfers-Promote & Experience Playing with Antique Hickory Clubs

Hickory Antique Shaft Competition Rules

The foundational rules for the Hickory Antique Shaft Competition are based on the current competition rules of the Royal Ancient Society and the United States Golf Association. Other details are determined by the competition venue.

Hickory golf clubs

According to the Society of Hickory Golfers (SCHG) Equipment Usage Regulations, Articles 1 through 5(detailed on the Website:The Society of Hickory Golfers), Hickory shafted golf clubs used in competition must be one of the following three types:

Modern (Authentic) Hickory Golf Clubs

Modern reproductions that closely resemble hickory golf clubs made prior to 1935

Antique Hickory Golf Clubs

The head of the club was made prior to 1935

Restored clubs

Clubs made and sold prior to 1935, whether wood or steel-shafted, but must have a wood head. Restored wood head clubs may use new wood or steel shafts, but the shaft material must be similar to what was available prior to 1935.

Hickory handicap

Most competitors will not have played with hickory antique clubs and therefore will not have a hickory handicap. Hickory event organizers currently use a conversion method from the British Golf Collectors Society to determine a competitor’s hickory handicap. Hickory handicaps are converted from a player’s official handicap using the following method:

Professional golfer
Calculated at zero handicap

0-3

- Add 3 -

4-8

- Add 4 -

9-14

- Add 5 -

15-20

- Add 6 -

21+

- Add 7 -

In the Majors, the maximum handicap allowed for men playing modern clubs is 18, therefore the maximum handicap for men playing hickory is +6, i.e., 24. The maximum handicap allowed for women playing modern clubs is 24, therefore the maximum handicap for women playing hickory is +7, i.e., 31.