Lionel

Thanks for a superbly run event. It was my first experience playing hickory clubs, but rest assured it won't be my last.

George Peper

Hello Lionel,

I've thoroughly enjoyed myself over the last few days and playing in your World Hickory Open was an absolute pleasure, thank you very much. I made a point of staying for the presentation and on the whole the event, prize giving and organisation was nothing short of first class, well done.

I know that you were busy on Friday when we spoke and I said that I would send you a wee note. I would love to have the opportunity to take a step forward in the world of hickory golf and I would be appreciative of any assistance you could give me in joining any society. My enjoyment or only sin so to speak is being a golf addict and I would make a huge effort to participate in golfing events and support a society as much as I possibly could.

If it is at all possible that you're able to assist me or indeed if you're able to even point me in the right direction I would be grateful.

Regards
Steven Doyle

Dear Lionel,

Thanks for the update. Been meaning to get back to you to let you know what a wonderful time we had. Thanks to all involved. You ran a great tournament and I look forward to returning.
Mike Stevens
National Hickory Champion of America

Dear Lionel,

Thank you so much for inviting me to take part in last week's event - I
enjoyed it very much and I think it's an interesting event. I would be keen to raise the subject of sponsorship with the HBJ Gateley Wareing board and perhaps when you get a moment you could send me details ofnext year's packages.

Thanks once again for your hospitality.

Kind regards

Christine Vincent
Director of Marketing
Dear Lionel

Dear Lionel and Willie,

Just a short note to thank you for the wonderful day that we had at the World Hickory Pro-am last Thursday. It was simply the most fun golf competition that I have played in in over a quarter of a century! Kevin Wall, Mike Redferne and I had a ball and can’t compliment you enough for the brilliant concept and excellent execution.

The only disappointment was being pipped to third place by Lionel, whose team birdied the 17th when we only parred it! Hopefully we will be able to compete again next year.

Kind Regards,

Mike Verrier

Dear Lionel,

Many thanks again for a great 2-day event. An experience of a lifetime I must say!

Having come back from Scotland I am full of inspiration to organize a Swedish Hickory Open Championship 2007.

I hope we can talk more about this very soon.

Best regards
Owe Werner
Svenska Golfarrangemang AB

Willie,

Mike (my husband) received this from Mike Redferne (BNP) regarding the Hickory golf championship:
"Absolutely fantastic time - I really had a buzz from taking part and to be frank still do - it was a real eye opener! If you get a photo printed up
let me know."
So thanks again for introducing them all to it, and for being such a fabulous host. Mike, my husband can't stop talking about it.

Regards,
Tressa

Lionel,

The hickory myths were buried steadily at Craigielaw. The clubs didn’t break regularly and the longest drive was a long 260 yards. From all over the links came the forgotten sound of wood on ball: more satisfying than the dull flatness of the titanium strike.

I don’t recall seeing so many people enjoying their golf at the same time: it was an antidote to the grimness of the monthly medal.

There was also the feeling that something big was happening, even a statement emerging about modern golf. Perhaps things have gone too far, and it was time to look back.

Best wishes,

David Hamilton

(Author, “Golf – Scotland’s Game” published in 1998)”

And, featured extracts from a letter sent to Lionel by Peter Lloyd.

Dear Lionel,

It is my pleasure to write and congratulate you on a magnificent Championship at Craigielaw in October.

As you know, this was a new venture for the PGA Scottish Region and one that we were very keen to become involved in and are absolutely delighted at the outcome.

As I said at the prize giving, if each person brings another on each hand, the Tournament will be sold out – something I think will clearly happen next year.

It has been a great pleasure working with you and your Committee for this event and I will watch out for the results etc., in the years ahead – and watch the Tournament grow like “topsy”.

With best wishes and kind regards.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Lloyd
Scottish Region Secretary PGA