Hickory clubs are often heavier the today’s modern clubs, but if you hold the club lightly and waggle the head you should gain a “feel” for the club. As you begin a practice swing, keep a light grip and continue to feel the weight of the club head as it makes it’s way through the swing. Now inspect the wood headed club you are about to play.
Full Answer
How to buy hickory golf clubs?
Examining a club in person is perhaps the best way to purchase a playable hickory club. For many, this is the ideal way to acquire hickory clubs –from a friend, at a tournament’s trade/swap meet, a Golf Collectors Society meeting or the rare shop that carries hickory clubs.
What is a “play set” of hickory clubs?
In the short term, your goal is to assemble a hickory “play set.” Remember, that phrase “play set” is key. You’re going to play golf with these clubs. You need clubs that can take to the course and hit.
Are reproduction hickory golf clubs legal at SoHG events?
Many modern hickory golfers who lack the desire or time to search for and rehabilitate old equipment embrace reproduction hickory sets and such clubs are legal for play at SoHG-sanctioned events. For others, a large part of the allure of hickory golf is the ongoing search for original, playable clubs.
Who wrote the book on building hickory golf clubs?
The following information is prepared for the novice hickory player who requires general guidelines for building his/her first set of hickory clubs. It was originally written by Ralph Livingston III and has been refined and edited by Jim Davis. It assumes the reader has a basic or introductory experience with hickory golf.
How do you use hickory golf clubs?
2:4413:20PLAYING GOLF WITH 100 YEAR OLD GOLF CLUBS!! HICKORY GOLFYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe old hickory get up normal stand but certainly does the job. First little chip we use in thisMoreThe old hickory get up normal stand but certainly does the job. First little chip we use in this little. Niblick. It's amazing how well we come off the face. Really.
Do they still make hickory golf clubs?
There are three modern makers of hickory clubs whose products are approved for play by the Society of Hickory Golfers: Louisville Golf (www.louisvillegolf.com) Tad Moore (www.tadmoore.com) St.
When did they stop making hickory shaft golf clubs?
1935With the arrival and eventual legalization (1929) of steel shafts, the demand for hickory's started to diminish, by 1935 the production of hickory clubs had stopped.
How many clubs are in a hickory set?
Building a hickory golf “playset” is similar to carrying a short set. The best part, though, is that you don't have to spend time eliminating clubs from your bag, because a basic hickory playset will often consist of six clubs.
How far do hickory clubs go?
The workhorse of the clubs. These are lofted as is today's 6-7 iron. A good choice for a smooth full swing of up to 150 yards for the common player.
Are old golf clubs worth any money?
According to GolfWeek, the most valuable antique golf clubs can sell for as much as $80,000 at auction. However, it's not at all common to see this type of value. Most individual clubs sell for between $15 and $100 at auction or in resale shops.
What are the most valuable vintage golf clubs?
What Are The Most Valuable Vintage Golf Clubs?Long Nosed Scraped Golf Club: this vintage club was sold at a Sotheby's auction in 2007 for $91,000.Square Toe Light Iron Golf Club: this club was auctioned at the Sotheby's 2007 auction for $151,000.More items...
What do you do with old golf clubs?
What to do With Old Golf Clubs? (7+ Old Golf Club Ideas)Sell old golf clubs to a golf-specific retailer like Golf Galaxy or 2nd Swing Golf.Sell them to a sports-specific retailer like Play it Again Sports.Donate old golf clubs to organizations, golf courses, or instructional facilities.More items...•
When did they stop using wood shafts on golf clubs?
In the mid-20th century, both the USGA and the R&A ruled that golf clubs with steel shafts could be used in tournaments. While steel was used for club shafts, wooden heads were the norm for drivers and fairway woods until the 1970s.
What is a persimmon driver?
The persimmon driver should have been known as a "precision driver." Tour players loved it because of the feel and feedback they got from each strike. They could shape shots, which not many can do with today's drivers featuring heads that are up to 460cc in size. A persimmon driver head was roughly 190cc.
What golf club is called a mashie?
Mashie – this is an old name for a golf club used for approach shots. The modern equivalent of this would be the 5-iron club.
What is a hickory club?
Playing hickory golf is basically golf with clubs made prior to about 1935, when steel shafts became pretty much the norm. Over the past 30 years or so, the sport has taken off and there are now regional groups of hickory golfers across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe.
How to swing a hickory club?
The first thing to do is to grip the club as if to hit it. Feel the weight. Hickory clubs are often heavier the today’s modern clubs, but if you hold the club lightly and waggle the head you should gain a “feel” for the club. As you begin a practice swing, keep a light grip and continue to feel the weight of the club head as it makes it’s way through the swing.
What degree is a play hickory wood?
Tee the ball lower than with your modern driver. The woods in Play Hickory play sets are all lofted as fairway woods between 12-20 degrees. The wooden heads naturally hit the ball lower than today’s clubs and should be thought of as a fairway wood, not a driver.
What is a hickory putter?
The Putter. The putters in the Play Hickory playsets are mostly of the blade style head. These clubs are usually made of forged steel and have a great feel when struck in the sweet spot. Sometimes a little light weight, but if you hold them lightly in your hands they will feel pretty good.
What is the shortest hitting club?
The niblick is the shortest hitting club, like a wedge, with a hitting range of up to 100 yards for the strong players. You should use this club for pitching lofted shots around the green, for approaches where you need carry, and to the best of your abilities out of a bunker!
Where is the name stamped on a golf club shaft?
These are either the professional’s name or the customer’s name for whom the club was made .The wooden heads are made from persimmon, the shafts are hickory. The grips are real leather strips, cut and wrapped around the handle end of the club.
Do hickory clubs torque?
The hickory will torque, or twist much more than a modern club. Therefore, keeping your swing as smooth as possible will help hit more accurately (not that it won’t help with modern clubs too!). But today’s player typically swings a stronger shaft than that of these hickory clubs. But don’t get the idea these are toys!
How many clubs are in a hickory golf set?
THE BASIC SET. Although the modern set of golf clubs typically numbers 14, a basic hickory set has fewer clubs. The late Ralph Livingston III, one of the pioneers of modern hickory golf, recommended a six-club collection as a basic starter play set. This is what you’ll see in many rental hickory sets too.
How deep is a hickory face driver?
The average depth of a hickory face driver from this time is about 1 3/8-inches. These play just fine once you make the mental adjustment from the behemoth modern variety. Deeper faces can sometimes be found, just be sure the weight suits you. Remember, weight can always be added to wood club heads.
Who makes replica hickory clubs?
Tad Moore ( www.tadmoore.com) St. Andrews Golf ( www.standrewsgolfco.com) Each produce replica hickory clubs whose designs are based on authentic clubs produced in the pre-1935 hickory era. They hold their craft to a high standard, turning out first-class products that are beautiful and very playable.
What degree is a fairway wood?
For taller players, look for fairway woods in the 58-62 degree range. Putter. Many putters of the hickory era have a higher degree of loft – some putting cleeks are around 10-12 degrees. Most are around 7 degrees and quite light, but there are mallet styles that are heavier.
What is the role of hickory golf?
Its role would be to help popularize the sport, provide guidelines and rules for hickory golf tournaments, establish equipment standards, and serve as a central source of information with regard to resources and maintenance tips for wood-shafted clubs. This was to be a group for hickory golf players, not strictly golf collectors.
Who was the first golfer to play hickory golf?
Hardison is credited with organizing the first modern hickory golf event in 1970 at his club, the Santa Ana CC. In 1973, he approached Joe Murdoch, who, with Bob Kuntz, had three years earlier co-founded the Golf Collectors Society, about the possibility of having the GCS host the annual hickory outing. The two embraced Hardison ’s idea and an ...
Where is the Hickory Open 2020?
Its own premiere event, the U.S. Hickory Open, travels to various regions around the country. In 2020, the event will be at the Happy Hollow Club in Omaha, Neb., where it will celebrate the Society ’s 20th anniversary.
Who are the founders of the Society of Hickory Golfers?
At this meeting were Tad Moore, John Sherwood, Ralph Livingston III, Chuck McMullin, Roger Hill, Randy Jensen, Winfield Padgett, and John Crow Miller. They are recognized as the founders of the Society of Hickory Golfers (SoHG) and Ralph Livingston III is recognized by founding members as the inspiration for the SoHG.
Who were the first hickory golfers?
Tad Moore, one of the earliest U.S. hickory pioneers along with Randy Jensen, Ralph Livingston III, and Roger Hill, estimates there might have been perhaps 15 devoted hickory golfers in the U.S at that time.
Who were the members of the Hickory Golf Association in 2000?
At this meeting were Tad Moore, John Sherwood, Ralph Livingston III, Chuck McMullin, Roger Hill, ...
To Build a Set of Hickory Golf Clubs or Not?
If you’ve been around golf, chances are good that you have come across a short-set of clubs, especially for beginners. A “short set” provides you with the basic clubs which will allow you to successfully navigate through a round of golf without carrying the maximum number of fourteen clubs.
The Brassie
A multi-functional wood, the brassie can be used off the tee, the fairway, or the rough. The loft is equivalent to a modern day 2-wood, and is the go-to wood for most hickory golfers. Besides the loft, you can differentiate a brassie from a driver by the sole plate.
The Mid-Iron
The longest iron in the bag, mid-irons can range in loft from 23-29 degrees, making them equivalent to a modern 4 iron. Mid-irons are great fairway finders off the tee, and are great for shots when you need to play a low runner.
Mashie
To me, the ultimate utility club is the mashie. Ranging in loft from 35-37 degrees, it is equivalent to a 7 iron. I have used the mashie in just about every situation. I have played it off the tee, from the fairway (when I get lucky and hit one), the rough, and for chipping.
Mashie-Niblick
When you are in range, the mashie-niblick is a great approach club. The loft ranges between 45-50 degrees, making it equivalent to a modern 9 iron or pitching wedge. From 100 yards and in, this is my go-to club for approach. I have the best feel for half and three-quarter knockdown shots with this club.
Niblick
Oh my archnemesis, the niblick. With an average loft of 52 degrees, it is equivalent to the modern gap wedge. The niblick is used as a pitching wedge, and sand wedge. I cannot speak for others when I say this, but this is the hardest club in the bag for me to hit with a full swing.
Putter
As it is today, there are many makes and models of putters. Find one that you feel comfortable with, and go with it! I started with a blade, a literal blade, and switched to a heel shafted mallet because I have better feel with the mallet.
Antique Hickory Clubs
It is a true adventure and reward to acquire and restore authentic antique hickory golf clubs and to use era style golf balls…
Louisville Golf - Modern Manufactured Clubs
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Tad Moore Hickories - Modern Manufactured Clubs
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JBL Golf Manufactory - Modern Manufactured Forged Clubs
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PlayHickoryGolf.Com - Modern Manufactured Clubs
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History of The Game
- I wouldn’t call myself a history buff, but I do love hearing stories and learning about things that have happened in the past. Another thing I really love about golf is that it’s a game that’s been played for centuries. It’s so old, there’s not even consensus as to when and how it began. When …
Golf Courses
- Hickory golfing also allows you to see courses through a new lens, even the ones you’ve played hundreds of times. You land the ball in different spots, forcing you to hit new shots, and use a different strategy. It’s almost as if you’re playing an entirely new course when you use clubs that are a century old. It’s also fun to play older courses with technology from a similar time period. Y…
Improved Modern Game
- I’m definitely not advocating that everyone throw out their modern clubs, I still have mine and play with them regularly. Instead, I’m just suggesting you assemble a second set of clubs that happen to be made from hickory. It can actually help improve your game with modern clubs. Hickory clubs require you to hit more quality golf shots. A miss hit can literally hurt, both your hands and your s…
New Challenge
- We all love the game of golf partially because it’s a personal challenge every time we step on the course. As I touched on in the beginning, hickory golf gives you a new challenge to conquer. It’s almost like creating two games out of one. For example, with my modern clubs, I’d be really upset by a 9-hole score of 40, but with hickories, I’m pumped. Even a “bad” score becomes “good” agai…
The Basics
- Now that I’ve convinced you to start playing hickory golf, on to the “how to” part. First, you need to assemble a play set, obviously. If you just picking up the modern game of golf, you can expect to spend several hundred dollars on a set of clubs and bag; quite the investment. You might think that refurbished hickory clubs that are 100 years old would be expensive too, but they really aren…
Assembling A Set
- Like I said above, a good starter set is only about six clubs; a brassie (driver), mid-iron, mashie, mashie-niblick, niblick, and cleek (putter). As you can see, hickories also have awesome names instead of the boring numbers we have today, a practice I’m definitely in favor of bringing back. You might also notice that six clubs isn’t very many by our standards today. A little history lesso…