Hickory Golf Masters took part in the 54th National Convention of the Golf Heritage Society in Nashville, marking an important milestone in the expansion of its museum collection and in strengthening relations with leading figures in the world of golf collecting.
Held in Nashville, Tennessee, in October 2025, the 54th National Convention of the Golf Heritage Society brought together collectors, historians, and connoisseurs dedicated to preserving the game’s earliest traditions. The event provided a privileged opportunity for Hickory Golf Masters to engage with key members of the international golf heritage community and to reaffirm its role in promoting the authentic spirit of the game.
Expanding the Museum’s collection
At the heart of Hickory Golf Masters lies its Museum in Lugano, a space entirely dedicated to the preservation and celebration of golf’s earliest craftsmanship.
One of the main goals of the trip to Nashville was to complete this permanent collection, adding several rare pieces that were still missing.
Through direct contact with long-standing collectors such as Tom Irving and Phil Gibbs, two of the most respected authorities on Stewart clubs, the company was able to secure historically significant items that will soon be displayed at the Hickory Golf Masters Museum.
Each club joining the collection is restored in-house, following traditional methods and with the same patience once devoted to their original making.
It’s a fine balance between skill and respect, where every detail matters, from the curve of the shaft to the grain of the hickory wood.
These new acquisitions not only enrich the Museum but also bring back to life the craftsmanship and spirit that shaped the early days of golf.
Insight and exchange at the Convention
The convention also offered valuable opportunities for discussion and learning.
GoldenAge Company hosted a series of educational sessions on the State of Collecting Today, highlighting new perspectives on the preservation of golf’s material culture.
Among the most notable encounters was Jeff Ellis, world-renowned authority on antique golf clubs and long-time GoldenAge collaborator.Participants also followed an engaging presentation by Tom Irving, whose 44 years of collecting experience brought insight and authenticity to the dialogue.
Moments like these underline the importance of gatherings where expertise, curiosity, and passion meet.
Introducing the Hickory Masters 2026
The event also provided the perfect stage to present the upcoming Hickory Masters 2026, to be held on 13–14 May 2026 at the historic Villa d’Este Golf Club.
An invitational event dedicated to the purest form of the game, played with original hickory clubs and in full respect of golf’s traditional etiquette.
In the United States, where many hickory golfers remain faithful to these roots, the announcement was met with genuine enthusiasm, confirming the event’s international appeal.
Hickory Golf Masters wishes to thank the Golf Heritage Society, and in particular Executive Director Mr. Bill Robertson, for the warm welcome and support shown towards the Museum and the Hickory Masters project. The Nashville convention reaffirmed the shared commitment to preserving authenticity, craftsmanship, and the cultural legacy of the game, values at the very heart of Hickory Golf Masters SA.
