Hickory 2026 at Brijuni

Game: Stroke play over 18 holes

Conditions of Play: The tournament is played in accordance with the official rules of The R&A and the local rules of the Brijuni Golf Course

Equipment: Play is conducted using original hickory golf clubs manufactured before 1935. Any repairs to clubs must comply with the provisions of the Hickory Golfers Association “Equipment and Club Repair List, No. 1,” dated July 31, 2009. Club shafts must be made exclusively of hickory wood. Modern replicas of hickory shafts are not permitted.

Eligible Players: Golfers who are members of the Istrian Golf Association or full members of clubs affiliated with national golf federations

Playing with a handicap of max. 54.0

Scoring

The champion title is determined by the gross score.

In the event of a tie:

• For first place, a playoff (sudden death) will be played
• For other places, the better score on the last 9 holes prevails

If still tied:

• Scores on the last 6 holes are compared
• Then the last 3 holes
• Then the final hole

If still undecided, the winner will be determined by a draw.

Two-Day Program at Brijuni

A two-day gathering at Brijuni National Park combines sport, relaxation, and a unique island atmosphere. Participants can expect a mix of training, competition, and shared moments with excellent gastronomy, along with plenty of time to enjoy nature and the distinctive character of the archipelago.

25 April 2026 – Practice Round

Boat departures according to schedule – from 09:00

Accommodation at Hotel Neptun and Hotel Istra with a 10% discount for tournament participants

Practice Round Schedule (25 April 2026)

• 09:00 – Boat departure from Fažana (external golf players)
• 09:30 – Arrival of golf players from the boat at the waterfront
• 09:30 – Arrival of golf players (hotel guests) at the waterfront
• 09:30 – Organized transfer to the golf house
• 09:45 – 10:30 – Scorecard collection
• 11:00 – Tournament start (all players start simultaneously according to the starting list)
• 17:00 – Panoramic island tour

Panoramic island tour by tourist train with professional guidance.
Reservations at the reception of Hotel Neptun upon arrival.

About the Tournament

At the initiative of Christoph Maester (EAGHC Golf Club Pula, with the support of the Brijuni National Park, Golf Club Brioni, Golf Club Pula, the Istrian Golf Association, and EAGHC, and in accordance with SoHG rules, the first hickory golf tournament – Brioni Hickory Open Championship 2013 – was held in 2013 on the Old Golf Course Brioni – Since 1922.

The inaugural tournament was held to celebrate a double anniversary:

• 20 years since the first golf tournament in the Republic of Croatia
• 90 years since the first golf tournament on Brijuni

Hickory Golf – A Return to Tradition

Interest in golf as it once was—with vintage clubs, equipment, and period clothing—has grown year by year. For this reason, the hickory championship at the Old Golf Course Brioni – Since 1922 has continued in subsequent years, attracting golfers from all over Europe.

Hickory golf, often described as “golf the old-fashioned way,” is named after the hickory wood (a North American walnut) that was originally used to make golf club shafts.

Hickory set the stage for Kaiserball Pula (https://kaiserball-pula.com/) this year — a unique music and cultural event held in late April in Pula, reviving the spirit of the Austro-Hungarian era through concerts, exhibitions, and a grand ball.

We Invite All Interested Visitors to Join and Watch the Hickory Tournament Live at Brijuni

• Boat Departure: 09:00
• Ticket Price: €17.00

Visitors are kindly requested to follow all safety instructions and conduct rules while on the course to ensure the tournament proceeds safely and smoothly.

During the Hickory Tournament, play on the golf course is not permitted for other golfers. Play will be allowed after the competition, in accordance with the scheduled program.