Yara Berger and Andreas Ahlm Swiss Hickory Champions 2024
Yara Berger plays in a class of her own and Andreas Ahlm shoots solid 78-75 in tricky Scottish conditions at the Golfclub Niederbüren which presented itself in superb conditions with fast greens and tricky pin positions defying the preceding heavy rain falls
The entrance to the oldest Golfclub in eastern Switzerland is an experience itself. Following the unmistaken street named ‘Golfstrasse’ from the center of the sleepy village Niederbüren leeds you to a tiny bridge over the Thur river – it feels like you’d better have brought an ancient Fiat Cinquecento to cross it… Once traversed you’ll find yourself in a almost mystical land of its own – one side enclosed by the steady river Thur and the other by a densly overgrown ravine transitioning into a mountainy cow pasture. The calm is balsam for the soul and you just realize what privilege it is to spend your next days on this piece of land enclosing the wonderful Ostschweizer Golfclub Niederbüren.
This years edition featured a small but rare group of hickory fans. The weather may have been a factor for sicknesses and absences. But the remaining players fought hard and experienced much more enjoyable conditions than expected – the welcoming club had put up an amazing set up: carefully selected pin positions, true and fast greens and a incredible catering. Thanks you Ostschweizer Golfclub Niederbüren end Team!
The women’s division was dominated by the solid playing Yara Berger with 46 brut points who secured the title defeating Silvana Kundert and Esther Nüesch who placed second and third.
The men’s division was won by Andreas Ahlm after solid rounds of 78-75 and 63 brut points. Runner-Up Felix Meier played solid golf on day 1 scoring 4 birdies and only 3 shots behind the lead. However he could not keep the same class on day 2 and placed 2nd 12 points behind Ahlm. 3rd place went to Remo Nüesch with 31 points, battling not only the wet grounds but also an ice cold putter. He ended up enjoying the cigars offered by sponsor Villiger as much as his Golf.
The net divisions prizes go to women’s Michele Lauber and men’s Peter Maurer. Longest drive was won by Esther Nüesch with 130m and David Bily with 170m and Nearest to the Pin went to Susanne Maurer as near as 4,73 m.
Video and Photos by @MonePic.at
