Golf Central

It’s only a matter of time before Scotland’s Lloyd Saltman is a star in pro golf. But to pick up his first professional victory cheque last weekend, the 22-year-old from East Lothian had to go back in time – almost literally.  
    And he did it in style, sporting plus-fours and playing with a set of six pre-1935 hickory-shafted clubs to win the World Hickory Open at his home links of Craigielaw, and the champ's payout of £1700.
    Said Saltman: “It would be fair to say the hickory championship was not what I planned, but it was great fun and using only six clubs really opened up the imagination.”
    Swinging the old-school sticks, Saltman got around the 18 holes in 1-over 72, beating former Scottish PGA champ Fraser Mann by a shot. Needless to say, dithering over club selection is not an issue at this event and tournament supremo Lionel Freedman reports that the entire field finished their rounds in just over three hours despite typically Scottish conditions.
    The World Hickory Open is in its third year, and even former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher OBE has had a crack at the old sticks, shooting a 76 in last year’s event. A Saltman won that one as well – Lloyd’s younger brother Zack, third this year with a 75.
    On the previous day, at the World Hickory Pro-Am, David Laing of Craigielaw, who was making his pro debut, aced the 157-yard 10th hole. His prizes included the hickory club he used, a magnum of champagne and a bottle of Famous Grouse suitably inscribed. Presumably, the champions dinner was bangers and mashie ...

Photograph courtesy of Robert Brown