HAWES ST. ANDREWS WEST

Host Your Own Hickory Golf Event

Step back into golf's golden age with a fully hosted hickory golf experience. We provide the clubs, instruction, and an expert host — you choose the course and invite the players.

PLAN YOUR HICKORY EVENT

Whether you're planning a corporate outing, club event, charity tournament, milestone celebration, or simply an unforgettable day with friends, we make it easy. We provide the hickory clubs, pre-round instruction, event guidance, and an experienced host who understands how to keep the day entertaining, welcoming, and running smoothly.

You choose the course and invite the players. We'll help bring the experience to life.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

The Complete Hickory Event Package

Hawes St. Andrews West Hickory Sets

Your guests will play with robust, reliable, and forgiving Hawes St. Andrews West hickory-shafted golf sets. Designed especially for golfers who are new to hickory play, each compact six-club set provides everything needed to play from tee to green:

  • ◆Brassie
  • ◆Jigger or midiron
  • ◆Mashie
  • ◆Mashie-niblick
  • ◆Niblick
  • ◆Putter

The clubs are authentic, Society of Hickory Golfers-approved reproductions inspired by classic Maxwell designs. Their simplified short-set configuration encourages creativity, feel, and thoughtful shot-making.

Pre-Round Hickory Golf Instruction

Before play begins, Chris introduces your guests to the clubs and the traditions of hickory golf. The session can include:

  • ◆An introduction to each club and its modern equivalent
  • ◆Advice on grip, tempo, and swinging a hickory-shafted club
  • ◆Tips for choosing the right club and shaping different shots
  • ◆A short demonstration
  • ◆Practice time and individual guidance
  • ◆An overview of the day's format, rules, and safety considerations

No previous hickory experience is necessary. Modern golfers, beginners, and experienced hickory players can all take part.

Event Hosting by Chris Hawes

Chris serves as your hickory golf host, master of ceremonies, instructor, and storyteller. Depending on your event, Chris can provide:

  • ◆Player welcome and opening remarks
  • ◆Hickory golf history and storytelling
  • ◆Pre-round instruction and demonstrations
  • ◆Tournament announcements
  • ◆On-course support
  • ◆Contests and special challenges
  • ◆Awards presentation
  • ◆After-golf hosting or dinner remarks

His goal is simple: create a relaxed, memorable event in which the history is fascinating, the golf is fun, and every guest feels part of the experience.

HOW IT WORKS

How to Host Your Hickory Event

1

Choose the Occasion

Hickory golf works beautifully for a wide range of events and gatherings:

  • ◆Corporate and client events
  • ◆Member and guest days
  • ◆Charity tournaments
  • ◆Golf club heritage celebrations
  • ◆Anniversary and centennial events
  • ◆Bachelor or pre-wedding outings
  • ◆Birthday and retirement celebrations
  • ◆Team-building experiences
  • ◆Private groups and golf trips
2

Select a Course and Date

Choose your preferred golf course and one or more possible dates. A course with character, interesting greens, and strategic options is ideal. It does not need to be historic or especially long — hickory golf is about imagination, placement, and playing the course rather than overpowering it. We can help you explain the format and equipment needs to the course.

3

Estimate Your Number of Players

Provide an estimated number of golfers, including right- and left-handed players, experienced golfers, beginners or non-golfers, players bringing their own approved hickory clubs, and guests who may require carts or other assistance. Rental sets are subject to availability, so early reservations are recommended.

4

Choose Your Format

Hickory golf can be competitive, but it does not have to be. We will help you select a format that suits your group.

Hickory Scramble

Teams select the best shot after each stroke. Ideal for corporate, charity, social, and mixed-ability groups.

Individual Stroke Play

Players complete their own ball and record a total score. Best suited to experienced golfers or competitive hickory players.

Team Better Ball

Each golfer plays an individual ball, with the team's best score counting on each hole.

Nine-Hole Experience

A shorter, accessible introduction to hickory golf that works well for evening events, private groups, or golfers with limited time.

Hickory Challenge Hole

Add a hickory experience to an existing tournament. Guests play one selected hole with hickory clubs, with instruction, commentary, and a special contest.

5

Add the Finishing Touches

Optional elements can make the occasion even more memorable:

  • ◆Period-inspired dress or a best-dressed prize
  • ◆Hickory putting competition
  • ◆Closest-to-the-pin challenge
  • ◆Straightest-drive contest
  • ◆Team photographs
  • ◆Historical course trivia
  • ◆Custom scorecards
  • ◆Branded signage
  • ◆Themed prizes or gifts
  • ◆Post-round storytelling and awards
  • ◆Hickory clubs or accessories as prizes
6

Confirm Your Event Plan

Once the date, location, number of players, and desired services are known, we will prepare an event proposal covering rental sets, delivery and collection, event schedule, instruction and hosting services, chosen playing format, optional contests, equipment responsibilities, pricing and payment schedule, and weather and cancellation terms.

7

Invite Your Golfers

We can provide a short description for invitations, registration pages, or member communications explaining what hickory golf is, what equipment will be supplied, what players should bring, suggested clothing, arrival and instruction times, the event format, and why the experience is suitable for first-time hickory golfers.

8

Enjoy the Day

On the event day, the clubs are organized for distribution and players receive an introduction before heading to the course. Chris helps set the tone from the opening welcome through the final awards, leaving organizers free to spend more time with their members, clients, or guests.

SAMPLE TIMELINE

A Sample Event Schedule

11:00 a.m.

Arrival and registration — players check in, meet the host, and receive their rental sets.

11:30 a.m.

Welcome to hickory golf — Chris introduces the history, equipment, terminology, and spirit of the game.

11:45 a.m.

Demonstration and practice — players learn how to swing the clubs, select shots, and adjust their expectations.

12:15 p.m.

Group photograph and final instructions.

12:30 p.m.

Tee-off or shotgun start.

5:00 p.m.

Club return and scoring.

5:30 p.m.

Reception, stories, contests, and awards.

The schedule can be shortened, expanded, or adapted to match your course and group.

YOUR HOST

Chris Hawes

Chris Hawes has spent much of his life creating experiences that bring people together. For more than two decades, he toured as a stand-up comedian before opening a successful Yuk Yuk's franchise in Sudbury, Ontario. His entertainment career has included film and commercial appearances, performing for NATO troops during the Balkan War, and a contributing writer credit on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Today, Chris brings his experience as a performer, entrepreneur, storyteller, golfer, and event organizer to Hawes Partners Golf Experiences and Hawes St. Andrews West. He is an active hickory golfer, event organizer, and Commissioner of the Hawes Worldwide Anytime, Anywhere Hickory Golf League. His approach combines a deep appreciation for golf's traditions with warmth, humour, and the firm belief that golf should be memorable and fun.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything You Need to Know

Do players need hickory golf experience?

No. The event is designed to welcome newcomers. Pre-round instruction teaches players what they need to know before play begins.

Are these fragile antique clubs?

The Hawes St. Andrews West rental sets are purpose-built, Society of Hickory Golfers-approved reproductions. They preserve the feel and character of traditional hickory equipment while offering the reliability needed for hosted events. Players will receive equipment-use guidance before the round.

Is hickory golf difficult?

It is different rather than impossible. The clubs reward balance, rhythm, and creativity more than speed or power. Most golfers adjust quickly once they stop trying to swing as hard as they do with modern equipment.

Can beginners participate?

Absolutely. A scramble or team format makes the experience especially welcoming for new and occasional golfers.

Do we need to wear vintage clothing?

No. Period-inspired clothing adds atmosphere and makes for terrific photographs, but it is optional.

Should players walk or use carts?

Either can work, depending on the course and the needs of your guests. The lightweight short sets are particularly enjoyable to carry, but carts can be used where appropriate.

Can this be added to an existing tournament?

Yes. A hosted hickory challenge hole, putting contest, demonstration, or pre-tournament experience can be incorporated into a modern golf event.

How far in advance should we book?

As early as possible, particularly for larger groups and peak golf-season dates. Club availability, transportation, and Chris's hosting schedule must all be confirmed.

GET STARTED

Bring Golf's Golden Age to Your Course

Tell us your preferred date, course, location, and estimated number of golfers. We'll help you create an experience your guests will remember.