Steel shafts and persimmon woods were part of the fundamental fabric of the game throughout golf's golden age, spanning over 50 years. The TRGA rules of equipment, keep this fine tradition alive, offering an opportunity for both professionals and amateurs to compete and perform on golf courses as they were originally intended.

TRGA RULES encourage a swift pace of play, beautiful simplicity, and a sense of fairness that is consistent with excellent sportsmanship. The rules of golf work best when routed in these original ideals.

Find out why more and more golfers worldwide are playing by the Traditional Rules of Golf.

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2008 Las Vegas Classic Club Open Champion

........................... JOHN "LAG" ERICKSON

The TRGA and the Las Vegas National Golf Club welcomed the Las Vegas Classic Club Open Nov 20-23 2008. This unique event required professionals and amateurs to play with clubs that were made no later than 1979. The event featured golfers from across North America including several PGA TOUR members and other fine persimmon players competing for prize money and the coveted perpetual trophy.

Lag Erickson fired back to back 73's on the extremely difficult Las Vegas National Golf Club to claim the title and the winner's check with a comanding 7 stroke victory. Erickson, a winner on the Canadian Tour in the 90's, came out of retirement for the event. "I despise the direction golf has taken, this is the only type of event that would peak my interest".

Two time Nevada State Amateur champ Brady Exber finished a distant second, while PGA Tour winner Vic Wilk edged out Arkansas pro Pat Sharpe for third place.

Both days saw unusually high scores as the pros struggled with the 6900 yard layout using antique persimmon woods and small forged blade irons. The greens were firm and unusually fast and without the help of square grooves from the thick rough, birdies were slim pickings. Several pros compared the set up to US Open style conditions. Long putters were not allowed to assist nor were wedges over 56 degrees.

Kenlyn Stewart of Knoxville Tennessee won the women's open division.

The next official TRGA event will be the San Francisco Persimmon Open spring of 2009 at the historic Mare Island Golf Club established in 1892. Check back for confirmed dates.

...............................................................................................................David Pepper

Vic Wilk talks about the game and why golf needs the TRGA!