LIONEL FREEDMAN, WORLD HICKORY OPEN FOUNDER, 1934-2017

Lionel Freedman, founder of the World Hickory Open, a tournament whose pro purse is sponsored by the USGTF, passed away on January 9, 2017. He was 83. Mr. Freedman was instrumental in growing the World Hickory Open from 35 players in 2005 to 2016 where over 130 participants played, including two-time major champion Sandy Lyle, who took the title at Panmure Golf Club in Carnoustie. He will be sadly missed by all his hickory friends around the world. Picture courtesy of Carnoustie: Lionel Freedman (left) and Sandy Lyle (right)