Congratulations to the 2024 US Hickory Open – Ladies Champion – Rylee Stovall and Men’s Open Champion – Mark Laken

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Welcome Society of Hickory Golfers for the 2024 USHO at Kenosha CC

On behalf of our club’s members and Board of Directors, I am honored and delighted to welcome you all to Kenosha CC for the 2024 U.S. Hickory Open. 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 and active inter club play with north shore Chicago clubs and Milwaukee clubs. Residential growth required the club to find new grounds and 3 farms were bought in 1920.

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 and 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.