When did graphite golf shafts take over?
Aluminum shafts were somewhat popular for a while in the 1960's to mid 1970's. They were lighter than steel and did not rust but in cold weather they became brittle which caused them to brake easily. By the early 1970's, graphite shafts were widely available to the golfing world and by 1973, they were taking the industry by storm.
What is the history of the Golf Club shaft?
The introduction of golf into America in the early 1800s lead to hickory wood being used in the shafts, which was found to be far more durable than other woods. Hickory became the standard material for golf club shafts until steel shafts were introduced in about 1925 in the US, and became standard everywhere from the mid 1930s.
What is the difference between steel and graphite golf shafts?
This makes steel shafts slightly heavier than what you will experience with a graphite shaft. Stainless steel is less expensive than graphite and easier to produce resulting in a less expensive component. Steel is also more durable than graphite and less likely to scratch when mixed with other clubs.
When did Taylor made start making graphite shafts?
In 1973 the graphite shaft was introduced which provided more rigidity, lightness and increased strength over the steel shafts. The more modern graphite shafts are manufactured with different materials to improve performance, such as boron to reduce twisting. Taylor-Made was the first company to produce metal club headed woods.
Who bought the graphite shafts for the Black Knight golf clubs?
What wood was used to make golf shafts?
What year did Shakespeare introduce Wondershafts?
What is the second generation of Wonder shafts?
What was the name of the golf club that replaced hickory?
When did golf balls change from hickory to steel?
When did LeFell introduce the True Temper shaft?
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When did graphite shafts in irons?
The graphite shaft was first marketed in 1970 at the PGA Merchandise Show but did not gain widespread use until the mid-1990s and is now used on almost all woods and some iron sets, as the carbon-fiber composite of graphite shafts boasts increased flex for greater clubhead speed at the cost of slightly reduced accuracy ...
When did they stop using wooden shafts for golf clubs?
Hickory became the standard material for golf club shafts until steel shafts were introduced in about 1925 in the US, and became standard everywhere from the mid 1930s. They had the advantage as they did not break like the hickory shafts and could be produced reliably with uniform feel in matched sets.
Do any PGA pros use graphite shafts?
In total 100% of the top 100 PGA Tour pros use graphite shafts in their drivers, fairway woods and hybrid clubs. 14 out of the top 100 use graphite shafts in their utility irons while 21 pros use steel.
When were steel shafts legalized to golf?
In 1924, the USGA finally legalized steel shafts, although the R&A continued to ban them until the Prince of Wales used a set at St. Andrews in 1929 which helped force a rule change. In 1924, the first steel shafts were allowed in the US Open, They were allowed in putters only. The winner, Cyril Walker, used one.
When did they stop using hickory shafts?
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.
When did golf woods become metal?
19791979: Taylormade Launch First Ever Metal Wood Gary Adams took out a $24 000 loan to found Taylormade and focused his time only on producing the first ever metalwood in the history of the game. It was cast of stainless steel and termed the Taylormade Metalwood.
Are graphite shafts better for older golfers?
Are graphite shafts better for seniors in golf? Yes, graphite shafts are the best choice for most seniors. As I mentioned, the shaft plays a major role in ball striking, consistency, and distance. The overwhelming majority of senior players would benefit from using a graphite shaft.
Are steel shafts more accurate than graphite?
Graphite shafts are less rigid than steel shafts and tend to have more whip and flexibility. Though this can be an advantage for a player with a well-grooved swing, it also can exaggerate the problems of a poor swing and may affect accuracy.
Should I play steel or graphite shafts?
Historically speaking, steel shafts have been better for more advanced or higher swing speed players. Graphite has been more ideal for people with more moderate swings or players wanting maximum distance.
What are old golf club shafts made of?
Shafts. Historically shafts were made of different types of wood including orangewood, ash and hickory; but, hickory became the wood of choice in the mid-1800s. The 20th century brought innovations in shaft construction including the development by Ping of laminated woods for increased strength.
When did golf clubs get grooves?
In 1908 it was discovered that grooves on the club face could increase backspin and generate more distance. The first few decades of the 1900's saw a lot of experimentation and innovation in the club design.
Do golfers still use wooden clubs?
Most modern woods are sold as individual clubs allowing the player to customize their club set, but matched sets of woods, especially as part of a complete club set, are readily available. Odd-numbered lofts are most common in players' bags, though 2- and 4-woods are available in many model lines.
Who invented graphite shafts?
And the name I associate with the first graphite shaft is its inventor, Frank Thomas.". Jerry Tarde, Editor-in-Chief, Golf Digest.
When was graphite invented?
The graphite shaft was invented by Frank Thomas and introduced to the game of golf in early 1969 while he was working for Shakespeare Sporting Goods Co, as its chief Design Engineer. Graphite (carbon fiber) was developed in the mid-196o’s by Union Carbide and used almost exclusively in the space industry.
When did Frank join the USGA?
In 1974 Frank was asked to join the USGA as its Technical Director where he continued to innovate. He directed the development of almost all the performance standards for golf equipment, now used to help maintain the integrity of the game of golf enjoyed by so many people around the world.
Who invented the graphite shaft?
In 1931, Billy Burke won the US Open. He was the first golfer to win using steel shaft clubs. Frank Thomas of the Shakespeare Sporting Goods Company conceived and created the first graphite shaft in 1969. It was introduced at the PGA Show in 1970.
What wood was used for golf shafts in the 17th century?
The golf shafts in the 17th and 18th centuries were not yet made of hickory, but rather from ash and hazel or whatever hardwood was available locally including wood from trees such as danga wood, ironheart, purpleheart, greenheart, bloomahoo and bulletwood. The US used other woods from what was being used in Great Britain, ...
What is a whistler shaft?
Nicknamed the "Whistler", Lard's shaft was made from a solid steel bar that was bored out and milled to form 6 sides. To reduce its weight, it was drilled with hundreds of small holes.
Why is the Allan Lard golf shaft called a whistling shaft?
To reduce its weight, it was drilled with hundreds of small holes. The perforations helped enhance club head speed and reduced torque significantly. When swung, these holes caused a whistling sound, hence the "Whistler" nickname. But like the other steel shafts, they never caught on. Allan Lard's perforated steel shaft.
What wood was used for the club heads?
The US used other woods from what was being used in Great Britain, including ash and lancewood. Club heads were made from tough woods such as beech, holly, apple and pear. These were connected to the shaft using a splint and then bound using leather straps.
What is Spalding's shaft?
Spalding's steel shaft, painted to look like hickory. It was not until some advances were made in the raw steel material and new manufacturing processes were developed, enabling the production of a stepped-down shaft, that steel started showing signs of becoming a clear favorite.
When did steel shafts become legal?
In 1924, the USGA finally legalized steel shafts, although the R&A continued to ban them until the Prince of Wales used a set at St. Andrews in 1929 which helped force a rule change. In 1924, the first steel shafts were allowed in the US Open, They were allowed in putters only. The winner, Cyril Walker, used one.
When did graphite shafts come out?
Graphite shafts were introduced as early as the 1970s, but came into mass production in the 1990s. Graphite shafts are often used by golfers with slower swing speeds (less than 75 mph), like women, senior men golfers or juniors.
Which shaft absorbs more vibration?
Graphite shafts absorb more vibration than steel shafts and, according to Golf. com, are easier on a player's hands and wrists. When a golfer mishits a ball and hits the ground, the vibration from the contact with the ground is absorbed by the hands and wrists when a steel shaft is used. With a graphite shaft, the vibration is dampened and there is less chance of injury to the joints.
Is graphite shaft stiffer than steel?
Graphite shafts are more flexible than steel shafts, which are generally stiff and unforgiving. Graphite shafts are available in a wider range of flexes, which is a measurement of how much bend there is in a club. Golf clubs are available in five flexes, ranging from very flexible (ladies flex) to extra stiff (X flex). On balance, graphite clubs are more flexible than steel shafts and allow for faster club head speed and more clean hits.
Can graphite shafts increase torque?
Golfers may be able to generate more torque with graphite shafts. Because graphite shafts are lighter, many golfers are able to increase torque by using graphite because they will increase their swing speed and change the angle of the club head at impact, thus producing greater distance.
When was graphite shaft invented?
Graphite shafts began to emerge in the late twentieth century. The graphite shaft was invented by Frank Thomas in 1969 while working as Chief Design Engineer for Shakespeare Sporting Goods, in collaboration with Union Carbide.
What is the purpose of a golf shaft?
While hundreds of different designs exist, the primary purpose of the golf shaft remains the same: to provide the player with a way to generate centrifugal force in order to effectively strike the ball. When properly gripped the player can hit the ...
What is stiff tip shaft?
These shafts offer the same flex throughout most of the shaft, in order to attain the "whip" required to propel the ball properly, but also include a stiffer tip, which cuts back drastically on the lateral torque acting on the head.
How much does a spherical shaft weigh?
Shafts weigh between 45 and 150 grams depending on the material and length.
What are golf clubs made of?
Early golf clubs had wooden shafts, most commonly made of hickory. These shafts were resilient and withstood the forces created by the golf swing, but unlike modern, more stiff shafts, their high flexibility required a skilled swing to produce consistent results.
Can shaft lengths be altered?
Shaft lengths can be altered to suit golfers of different heights. Golf shafts are manufactured in various weights to suit players of any skill or strength level. New drivers come out all the time with new concepts of how its design is supposed to make you hit the ball further, however that is not the case.
When was graphite shaft introduced?
In 1973 the graphite shaft was introduced which provided more rigidity, lightness and increased strength over the steel shafts. The more modern graphite shafts are manufactured with different materials to improve performance, such as boron to reduce twisting.
When were feathered golf clubs invented?
With the introduction of the “featherie” golf ball in 1618 golf clubs continued to be made with wooden heads, although forging iron into the head was possible, because of the delicacy of the featheries. The wooden clubs were expensive due to the time and effort that went into making them and they were prone to break.
What wood is used for golf clubs?
Hickory quickly became the standard wood of choice for club-makers due to its availability and better durability. In 1848 the “guttie” ball was introduced by Rev. Adam Paterson, which quickly made the “longnoses” or drivers obsolete. Bulgers emerged to replace the longnoses which had a bulbous head, resembling modern woods.
What were the clubs made of in the 1500s?
In the 1500s a set of clubs consisted of: a set of play clubs, “longnoses”, for driving; fairway clubs or “grassed drivers”, for medium range; “spoons” for short shots; “niblicks” similar to wedges; and a putting “cleek”. These golf clubs were made up of wood with the shafts being made from ash or hazel and the club heads being made ...
What is the evolution of golf?
The Evolution of the Golf Club. Since the inception of the game of golf, players have continually tried to improve upon their equipment. The earliest golf clubs were initially carved by the golfer themselves and typically out of wood. Golfers soon turned to skilled craftsmen to produce higher quality equipment.
What is the R&A golf club?
The R&A, named from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, is the governing body of the game of golf. The R&A finally legalized the use of steel shafted clubs after the Prince of Wales used them on the Old Course at St Andrews in 1929. The steel shaft provided for greater accuracy and durability.
What were the names of the golf clubs after World War II?
The traditional names of the clubs, like “niblicks” and “spoons”, were replaced by the standard numbering system used to this day. There was little development and advancement for the next few decades. After World War II development of golf clubs were influenced by research into synthetic and composite materials.
Graphite vs Steel Shafts
The ongoing debate is steel or graphite better for irons continues with graphite seeming to continuously increase its market share.
Key Differences Of Graphite and Steel Shafts
Manufacturers provide an option of using either steel or graphite shafts in new clubs. You may also replace the original shaft with either a steel or graphite shaft.
Steel Shafts
Steel shafts are generally made from stainless steel and tend to weigh between 90 grams and 120 grams.
Graphite Shafts
In contrast to stainless steel, graphite shafts are much lighter weighing between 50 grams and 85 grams. This will aid you in swinging the club faster for more distance. Graphite is more expensive than stainless steel and requires a more intricate production process adding to the cost of graphite shafts.
Is It Better To Have Steel Or Graphite Shafts As A Beginner Golfer Or A High Handicapper?
Beginner and high handicap golfers are generally still forming their swing and thus have lower swing speeds.
Is Steel Or Graphite Shafts More Forgiving?
Graphite shafts offer more forgiveness than steel shafts and reduce the vibration taking the sting out of those all-so-common mishits.
Who Should Use Graphite Irons?
The general conception is that golfers with slower swing speeds will do better with graphite shafts to gain distance and forgiveness.
When did golf clubs change to grooves?
One of the most important changes was the move in around 1908 from smooth faces on the irons to the grooves that are used today. The grooves enabled more backspin on a ball, resulting in more distance.
What were golf clubs made of?
Early Clubs. For hundreds of years, golf clubs were made out of wood, and it was not until late last century that the wooden shaft was replaced by other materials. Players initially carved their own clubs and balls from wood, though they soon turned to skilled craftsmen to produce competitive equipment.
What wood was used in the early 1800s?
The shafts of the early clubs were made out of local European woods like Ash. The introduction of golf into America in the early 1800s lead to hickory wood being used in the shafts, which was found to be far more durable than other woods. Hickory became the standard material for golf club shafts until steel shafts were introduced in about 1925 in ...
What are the different names for golf clubs?
For a long time different clubs were known by a variety of names, such as: Longnoses - for driving. Bulgers - like today's woods as they have a bulbous head. Fairway clubs (or grassed drivers) - for medium range shots. Spoons - for short range shots . Niblicks - like a wedge. Cleek - for putting.
What woods were used for golf clubs?
The shafts of the early clubs were made out of local European woods like ash or hazel. Club heads were made from tough wood such as beech, holly, pear and apple. The heads of the wooden clubs were long and thin, resulting in them being known as "long-nose woods".
When were iron clubs invented?
The early iron clubs, made by blacksmiths until about the 1870s, were quite crudely made, making them heavy to wield and difficult to control. The advent of drop forging technique in the late 1800s resulted in lighter and better made clubs that could be mass produced in factories. The early 1900 was a period of experimental golf club designs, ...
What are wood and iron made of?
They are also made using advanced materials such as titanium, graphite and zirconia.
When did golf clubs start using steel shafts?
By the late-1920s, hickory was starting to be replaced by steel as the common material used for golf club shafts. By the mid-1930s, steel-shafted clubs were the industry standard. This was the first real sign of technological improvement in the club-making procedure. Newer Golf Ball.
When were steel shafts introduced?
Back in 1856, a man named Robert Forgan started exporting hickory trees from America to Scotland to serve as the shafts. A firmer type of persimmon wood was used for the head of the club. This was the process for making golf clubs back then. Fortunately, by about 1930, steel shafts were introduced. Steel-Shafted Clubs.
What is a white gutta percha golf ball?
Gutta-percha is a type of tree and sap that was used for the insides of the ball.
When was the Pro V1 Golf Ball made?
2000 – Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball. Before 2000, golfers played golf balls that were made with wound cores. Titleist’s original iteration of the Pro V1 golf ball came about in 2000, and it was an instant hit with golf professionals and amateurs around the world.
Who invented the stainless steel driver head?
Golf Club innovator Gary Adams was the man responsible for introducing the stainless-steel driver head as the norm. He was able to convince a few tour pros to give it a try.
Who made the Ping Anser putter?
1966 – Ping Anser Putter. In 1966, Ping founder, Karsten Solheim, was hard at work in his garage making putters. Little did he know, it was his original Ping Anser model that would become the staple for other companies to copy. Even to this day, this “hosel design” is the most popular and common type of putter made.
Do golf drivers come with a mini screwdriver?
Nowadays, drivers come with a mini screwdriver and adjustable weights. The heads and shafts are interchangeable. As time progresses, technology becomes better. Golf equipment is no different.
When did golf clubs start using steel shafts?
The History of Steel Shaft Golf Clubs. Golfers and club designers experimented with steel shafts as early as the 1890s, but didn't fully embrace the new technology until the mid-1920s.
What type of shafts do golfers use?
Prior to the introduction of steel shafts, golfers used hickory shafts, which necessitated a slow, smooth swing that relied on timing for a well-executed shot. As the sport grew in popularity, the golf world became concerned about the availability of hickory for use in golf shafts.
What were the effects of the steel shaft on golf swings?
The typical golf swing was altered by the advent of the steel shaft. Hickory shafts required golfers to swing more with the hands, while the steel shaft allowed for a swing that used the entire body and maximized club-head speed.
Why are steel shafted clubs better than hickory shafted clubs?
Benefits. Steel shafted-clubs made for a more durable golf club than hickory-shafted clubs, which were prone to breaking. Steel shafts also allowed golfers to hit the ball greater distances by increasing club-head speed.
Who bought the graphite shafts for the Black Knight golf clubs?
Because of Campbell’s relationship with Shakespeare in 1962 – 1964 with the Gary Player Black Knight golf clubs Campbell purchased the graphite shafts from Shakespeare. Further research is required to determine what company supplied the metal and graphite heads for the driving range clubs.
What wood was used to make golf shafts?
Around 1820 clubmakers introduced hickory for making golf shafts. This wood proved to be more durable than the ash, apple, and beech wood that were being used. The process to make a golf shaft began by fastening a one inch square piece of hickory about four feet long in a lathe.
What year did Shakespeare introduce Wondershafts?
Wondershafts. In the1962 Shakespeare Golf Company introduced their version of the fibreglass shafts. One problem soon arose with the cream coloured fibreglass “Wonder shafts”. The hosel connecting the wooden head to the shaft cracked. The irons with wonder shafts also cracked exposing the interior steel shaft.
What is the second generation of Wonder shafts?
The second generation of black wonder shafts for irons and woods called the Black Knight” model after the famous PGA star Gary Player appeared to have no manufacturing problems.
What was the name of the golf club that replaced hickory?
In the late 1920’s Spalding introduced the Alan Lard version of a steel shaft to replace the hickory. Known also as “The Whistler”, the Lard golf club hardly resembled any comparison to the standard wooden round golf shaft. Also in the mid twenties Cuthbert Butchart developed a bamboo shaft for golf clubs. He fastened six pieces of bamboo and ...
When did golf balls change from hickory to steel?
One would expect the manufacturers in the 1930’s would have focused on the golf shaft when the transition from hickory to steel occurred in the early 1930’s. Instead, the manufacturers focused their attention on creating a golf ball that would travel further. The golf ball patterns changed from bramble to meshed to dimples.
When did LeFell introduce the True Temper shaft?
To make the golf shaft lighter two manufacturers (True Temper and LeFell Sport Product) introduced the aluminium golf shaft in 1965. The True Temper and the LeFiell shafts differed in the fact the True tempered had steps and the competitor did not.
