When did the Ram golf ball come out?
In 1968, Ram unveiled the Ram 3D, the first cut-proof Surlyn-covered golf ball. In later years, Ram would continue to be at the vanguard with some of the first forged cavity-back irons, Accubar weighting, frequency shaft fitting and lithium balls. In 1974, the Hansbergers sold Ram to the Colgate-Palmolive Company for $18 million.
What is the history of the Ram Golf Company?
The Origins of Ram Golf Ram Golf initially began as Sportman’s Golf after the end of World War II. The Hansberger brothers, Al, Bob, Lyle, and Jim, converted a tool and die shop into a golf equipment production unit on the west side of Chicago.
When did the Ram 3D Golf Club come out?
In 1968, Ram unveiled yet another classic, known as the Ram 3D. The set’s components included the first cut-proof Surlyn-covered golf ball. Thereafter, Ram continued to be one of the leading innovators in golf and designed some of the first forged cavity-back irons.
What happened to Ram Golf?
Although Ram Golf continued to operate through its various highs and lows, the cracks began to show in the early 1990s. The company split into two entities, branded as the Ram Golf Club Company and Ram Tour Balls. While the manufacturing of golf equipment still exists in the Chicago suburb to this day, the club unit was sold to Tommy Armour.
Are old golf balls worth anything?
Because of the age and the craftsmanship put into these balls they are among the ones that have the highest price tag of collectible golf balls. These balls are referred to as antique, and goes for sums upwards of +$5000! See example from eBay below.
What is the rarest golf ball?
gutta percha ballsDivers have begun a search in Donegal for what they believe could be some of the world's rarest golf balls. The gutta percha balls once belonged to golfing legend Old Tom Morris, who won the Open four times in the 1860s.
Are 20 year old golf balls still good?
The golf ball researchers at Titleist state, "Today's Titleist golf balls can be safely stored for five years or even more, as long as they are kept away from excessive heat. ... Normal indoor conditions should be fine for storage."
Are 30 year old golf balls still good?
Do Golf Balls Have a Shelf Life? AKA: Will an Unused Golf Ball Expire? You can usually get about 10 years out of an unused golf ball, again, provided that it is stored properly. The best temperature for golf ball storage is around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which golf balls are worth money?
Top 10 Premium Golf Balls for Your GameTaylorMade Tour Response.Callaway Chrome Soft.Dixon Fire.Titleist AVX.TaylorMade TP5 & TP5x.Titleist Pro V1x.Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS.Polara Self-Correcting.More items...
What are the most valuable used golf balls?
Here is a quick breakdown of the most expensive golf balls in the world:#1 Titleist Pro V1 – $48 per dozen. When you think of golf, you think of Titleist. ... #2 Nike One Tour – $50 per dozen. Nike is pretty much king of all sports, including golf. ... #3 Dixon Fire – $75 per dozen.
When should you throw away a golf ball?
Now, see if your ball is going to float. Drop it in, and walk away for a minute or two. If the cover is intact, then there should be absolutely no leakage to the internal area of your golf ball. If it starts to sink or you see any air bubbles coming up at all, it's a sign that the cover has a microfracture.
Do new golf balls go further than old ones?
It's highly unlikely that the average, or even high standard, amateur will notice any difference between the feel of a used and a new ball on impact. Nor will there be any appreciable loss of distance, height or spin.
How many rounds should a golf ball last?
sevenWithout visible damage, a golf ball can last up to seven 18-hole rounds without any loss of performance.
How often should you change golf balls?
The most simple answer to the question of how often should you change your golf ball is that there are no set rules. Some Tour players change their ball after a certain number of holes, but the truth is, this is more based on superstition than the diminishing quality of the ball itself.
Does freezing damage golf balls?
Placing a golf ball in the freezer will cause it to have a much shorter lifespan. The golf ball will lose its effectiveness, and you will notice a significant decrease in distance. If you have stored your golf balls in your cold garage for years, you are likely costing yourself some yardage on the golf course.
Do golf balls lose their compression over time?
A wound ball which is approximately 10 years old, stored at room temperatures and low humidity, will have lost about 0.5 to 1.0 % of its IV (Initial Velocity) which will affect its distance by a couple of yards.
Where did Ram Golf originate?
Ram Golf actually began as Sportman's Golf shortly after World War II when the Hansberger brothers -- Lyle, Al, Bob and Jim -- converted a tool and die that they owned on Chicago's west side. The shop had been making club components for another company, George MacGregor Golf, before MacGregor sold his company to the Hansbergers in 1947.
When was RAM Golf published?
About RAM Golf. By: Steve Wozniak. Published: 30 June, 2009. Jim Hansberger was in the factory of his family's Ram Golf when he noticed a stranger in an apron and goggles casually grinding a pitching wedge on a machine.
What is Ram Golf?
It wasn't until 1967 that the company changed its name to Ram Golf, reflecting a strategy that sought a simpler, bolder name to market on golf bags and club heads.
When did the Hansbergers buy back their company?
When the Hansbergers bought back their company in 1980, dumping all of the endorsement contracts except for Watson's. Through the 1980s and into the 1990s, they would outfit PGA golfers such as Nick Price and Calvin Peete.
Who sponsored Ram?
Sponsorships and Endorsements. In 1974, the Hansbergers sold Ram to the Colgate-Palmolive Company for $18 million. At that time, Colgate-Palmolive signed 50 pros to the endorsement roster, including Ray Floyd, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Nancy Lopez.
Is Ram Golf a subsidiary of Tommy Armour?
The four Hansbergers retired, while Al's son Gary founded Vulcan Golf in Chicago. The Ram Golf Company now only exists as a brand subsidiary of other corporations.
MacGregor
It’s hard to imagine some of the best players to ever play the game without a signature green and white MacGregor bag close by. Some of the biggest names in history used MacGregor in their prime, including Jack Nicklaus, who at one point was also the majority owner of the company in the late ’80s.
Founders Club
Founders Club was started by Gary Adams, the same man known for both inventing the original metal wood and as one of the founders of TaylorMade. Founders Club had a pretty stacked tour staff in the early ’90s, which included Lanny Wadkins and Lee Janzen among others and was well known for “The Judge” driver and forged CB irons.
Lynx
What’s crazy about Lynx, is it’s hard to pinpoint what went wrong for the up and coming brand. They had 2 U.S. Open wins thanks to Ernie Els in the ’90s along with having Fred Couples on staff—one of the game’s most popular figures.
Walter Hagen – Haig Ultra
The Walter Hagen Haig Ultra brand was the premium line from Wilson Staff, and one of their biggest moments came when Ben Crenshaw won the Masters with their irons. It’s easy to see the pedigree from classic Wilson Staff irons like the FG17 in the lines of the Haig.
Who invented the golf ball?
Enter: Coburn Haskell and his design partner Bertram G . Work. Together, the two developed a prototype for the Haskell golf ball, which used a rubber thread fastened around a hard rubber core. The result was better control, better contact and a better game.
When was golf invented?
Since its inception in the 15th century , golf has involved several iterations and improvements on the ball that have resulted in some rare collector’s items. Read below to learn about all the unique golf balls the sport has to offer.
What is the Haskell Bramble pattern?
Haskell Bramble Pattern. The Haskell Bramble-patterned golf ball was part of an inspiring golf legacy cut short by greed. Before Haskell, golf players used the gutta-percha, a ball made of tree sap that was supposed to improve on the feathery, one of the earliest golf balls.
How many Nike golf balls are platinum?
Stamped Nike One Platinum. As part of a contest, Nike produced 2,000 platinum golf balls that were then included in boxes of Nike One Black or Nike One Platinum golf ball sets. Of these balls, each with a unique serial number, 24 featured a stamp of Tiger Woods mid-swing.
Why did golf balls change to wood?
This change significantly reduced the ball’s functionality as the standard core helps stabilize the ball and manages its speed and distance. For the years that the war went on, though, golfers had to sacrifice rubber— one of the first items to be rationed —as the government used it to produce military equipment.
Where was the Martins golf ball made?
Martins Zodiac. Produced in England by Martins-Birmingham in the late 19 th century, this odd-looking golf ball is one of the earliest examples of mass production in golf. Notably, its puckered pattern demonstrates the experimentation and homegrown elements that existed even in factory-made golf products at the time.
Is Spalding still making golf balls?
A few companies produced triangle mesh balls, including Spalding—which still produces sports items today. Although these balls aren’t the rarest of golf collectibles, they remain an unexpected and unique part of any collection.
The Origins of Ram Golf
Company Debut
- Before its transition to Ram Golf, Sportsman’s Golf manufactured a variety of high quality clubs. One of its signature line clubs was the Bristol 600 Wizard putters, which were extremely popular among golf professionals and amateurs during the 1950s and ’60s. These amazing signature clubs were the reason many top-notch players started using the brand. Jack Nicklaus, a legenda…
Line of Endorsements
- Ram Golf’s popularity only grew after that. Soon, Tom Watson, the winner of multiple grand slam titles, emerged as one of Ram Golf’s mightiest ambassadors. The company had a close relationship with one of the game’s greats and continued providing him with exceptional equipment. Despite being a relatively small company, Ram impressed golfers with its excellent q…
Sponsorships and Endorsements
- The success and achievements of Ram Golf garnered the attention of the world’s leading corporations. In 1974, Colgate-Palmolive Company acquired Ram Golf from the Hansberger’s at a price of $18 million. After taking over Ram Golf, Colgate-Palmolive went on to expand the brand’s influence among professional players. It signed up to 50 professionals to the endorsement roste…
Transactions
- Although Ram Golf continued to operate through its various highs and lows, the cracks began to show in the early 1990s. The company split into two entities, branded as the Ram Golf Club Company and Ram Tour Balls. While the manufacturing of golf equipment still exists in the Chicago suburb to this day, the club unit was sold to Tommy Armour. On the other hand, Taylor…
Advantages
- Being section level clubs, RAM golf clubs focus on the concept of simplicity. For instance, RAM’s signature Sergeras irons have outclassed most other brands in terms of innovation and have one of the biggest sweet spots in the market. The Sergeras has an incredible border weighted, depression back iron with a low focal center of gravity. These clubs are one of the best in busine…
Downsides
- RAM follows the basic golf club principle and focuses on manufacturing usable golf clubs. However, this limits the club’s application and makes it unusable for low-handicap players. In a nutshell, Ram golf clubs are suitable for golf players at all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, these clubs can help take your game to the next level. However, they are not …
Ram Golf SGS Golf Clubs Starter Set
- Regardless of the limitations for professional players, Ram golf clubs provide the ultimate experience to novice players. One of the best examples of this is the RAM Golf SGS Right Hand Golf Clubs Starter Set. The set includes premium clubs,such as 3-layered wood, four different irons, and a putter to finish the job. It also has a stand-up bag, which comes in handy for most pl…
The Origins
- Ram Golf actually began as Sportman's Golf shortly after World War II when the Hansberger brothers -- Lyle, Al, Bob and Jim -- converted a tool and die that they owned on Chicago's west side. The shop had been making club components for another company, George MacGregor Golf, before MacGregor sold his company to the Hansbergers in 1947. As Sportsman's Golf, the comp…
Cutting-Edge Developments
- Under the Sportsman and Bristol brands, the company contracted with former PGA golfer and legendary putting guru George Low to design the Wizard 600, which Jack Nicklaus used in the prime of his career through the 1960s. It is a valuable golf collectible, with original putters valued at more than $25,000 in 2006. In 1968, Ram unveiled the Ram 3D, t...
Sponsorships and Endorsements
- In 1974, the Hansbergers sold Ram to the Colgate-Palmolive Company for $18 million. At that time, Colgate-Palmolive signed 50 pros to the endorsement roster, including Ray Floyd, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Nancy Lopez. When the Hansbergers bought back their company in 1980, dumping all of the endorsement contracts except for Watson's. Through the 1980s and int…
Transactions
- In the 1990s, Ram split its company into the Ram Golf Club Company and Ram Tour Balls. While the manufacturing operations still exist in a Chicago suburb, the club unit was eventually sold to Tommy Armour, with Ram Tour Balls being purchased by TaylorMade. The four Hansbergers retired, while Al's son Gary founded Vulcan Golf in Chicago. The Ram Golf Company now only exi…