Hackfest 2026

The 2026 Hackfest features 2025 Birdie King, Phil Jirsa, a.k.a. Rhino, a.k.a., Someone Who Golfs, a.k.a. the Not-So-Big Easy, a.k.a. the Even Smaller Smallrus, a.k.a. FIGJAM, a.k.a. O.B. Wan Kenobe, a.k.a. Duff Mulligan, a.k.a Footwedge Frank, a.k.a. Splash Waterman, a.k.a. Mr. Three Wiggle, a.k.a. the Hozel Rocket, a.k.a. Chicken Stick, a.k.a. Hand Wedge, a.k.a. the Big Yipper, a.k.a. Three Putt Bogey, a.k.a Putterly Ridiculous, a.k.a Friend of the Mulligan, and the 150 or so other names we know and love him by defending his title in the beautiful Quad Cities. It will take place from September 10-13.

Results

TBD.

Rules

TBD.

Participants

Phil Jirsa (2025 Birdie King); Mike Allerding; Duane Anderson; Jeff Carter; Brian Dukart; Travis Fleming; Tim Hidani; James Hove; Brett Johnson; John Kast; Jim "Special K" Kenealy; Chaz Larson; Roger Mahre; Gary "Picasso" Mullen-Schultz; Eric Petersen; David Read; Tom Sandberg

Unable to golf this year but still attending the festivities:

TBD.

Lodging

TBD.

Golf Venue

All rounds this year will take place in the Quad Cities area (Moline, and Rock Island Illinois, and Bettendorf and Davenport Iowa).

Thursday's practice round will start at 1:10PM, and take place at TPC Deere Run, home of the John Deere Classic.

Friday's first teeoff is at noon sharp, at Byron Hills Golf Course.

Saturday's golf will begin at noon sharp, at Emeis Golf Course.

Sunday's deciding round will commence at 8:16AM, again at Byron Hills Golf Course.

Pre-Fest Note from the Artistic Director

Dear Festers,

All Praise to our 2025 Birdie King, Phil Jirsa, a.k.a. Rhino, a.k.a., Someone Who Golfs, a.k.a. the Not-So-Big Easy, a.k.a. the Even Smaller Smallrus, a.k.a. FIGJAM, a.k.a. O.B. Wan Kenobe, a.k.a. Duff Mulligan, a.k.a Footwedge Frank, a.k.a. Splash Waterman, a.k.a. Mr. Three Wiggle, a.k.a. the Hozel Rocket, a.k.a. Chicken Stick, a.k.a. Hand Wedge, a.k.a. the Big Yipper, a.k.a. Three Putt Bogey, a.k.a Putterly Ridiculous, a.k.a Friend of the Mulligan, and the 150 or so other names we know and love him by.

Nearly equal praise to Team FTG, the consensus best team in the entire Hackfest, to the exclusion of all others, probably forever.

For the 2026 Hackfest, to be held at the usual time, Thursday, September 10 through Sunday September 13th, I've invited seventeen of you, on the assumption that medical maladies will result in at least one foursome of golfers who will actually be able to play. As usual, Thursday is a recreational round, Friday through Sunday is the Fest. There will be a $30 entry fee and prizes (just like the last few years). Team Competition Fri/Sat, Birdie King title Sat/Sun.

The event is likely to be held in the halfway zone again (somewhere between the pastoral spendor of Michigan, and the bleak, riot-ravaged decay of Minnesota). David Read is working on housing.

If you can't/don't want to attend, let me know. If you prefer to attend but not to play golf, or prefer only to play limited golf let me know (working on the idea of 12, semi-able-bodied golfers across the three days of the Fest--more or less can be accommodated).

More information, rules, location, housing costs will be provided when known.

This is the 40th year of the Fest. Now that I have missed one for the first-time ever (meaning no one has played in all of them--although I think Tim has been to all of them) I'm not sure that attending is such a big deal. I think I'll be there this year, unless perhaps darts is on TV that weekend. If I am, I will see you there!

Your down but not out, twice and future Birdie King and Hackfest Artistic Director,

Brett