I have always enjoyed history. Which periods of history have fluctuated throughout my life, but one constant has been sports history. Before I could recite all the United States Presidents, I could list, in order, the Super Bowl champion from each year. I’m not saying I have my priorities straight, but it has worked out ok for me. Which is why I need a bigger garage now…
So, it is only natural that I would become obsessed with golf history. I am not your go-to for records, historical greats, or architecture history. Don’t get me wrong I know the basics, but I am mostly interested in the equipment. Simple reason being that it’s tangible. I can actually pick up a MacGregor Go-Sum niblick from the early 1920s and hit a golf ball with it. Sure, it may only go ten feet, but who cares?! It’s 100 years old!
When I first started, I thought I would only have enough hickory-shafted clubs to have a complete set. As we talked about previously, my new hobby quickly changed into obsession and now I have a different problem.
Collecting or Hoarding?
When I get involved with something, I’m all in. There are boxes in the attic, shed, and garage filled with my previous obsessions. The beauty of those were that it all fit nicely into easily storable boxes. Golf clubs can start to take up space rather quickly. I currently have 14 sets of irons, woods, and putters spanning 70 years. The oldest are my newly acquired playing set of MacGregor Go-Sum hickory clubs from the late 1910s to the early 20s. The newest are a set of Ben Hogan Edges from 1988.
This has been strange for me because I’ve never had an issue with spending money on things that I already have. I have been known to pass on a pair of shoes because I didn’t want to spend the money on them. And, the pair I had in my closet only had a few holes in the sole. I would have never imagined that my garage would be half filled with classic golf clubs, bags, and a few ladies sets for the Mrs. You want to get your significant other involved early so that the buffer time before you’re cut off is greater.
If you’re anything like me, go ahead and set yourself parameters so that it doesn’t get completely out of control. For me, I am only going to purchase vintage clubs if I can play them. I can make minor repairs if needed, but if I am not going to be able to eventually take it out to the course, I pass on the purchase. I also only buy completed sets of irons. Sure, there are times when I purchase a bigger lot and there are a few singles mixed in, but only in the rarest of occasions do I buy incomplete sets.
What’s in the Bag
At the moment, my favorite set of irons are 1953 Spalding Synchro-Dyned Top-Flites. I have played these more than any others, and they are my go-to set. I don’t know what it is about them, but I just love the feel. The first round I played, I struggled through the first few holes until I learned that, for me, there’s a 3-club difference from my modern set. After leaving several shots short, I finally learned my yardages and I feel quite confident with them now.
Other than the putter, my driver is the most modern club I play. It’s a Tommy Armour Silver Scot, which I picked up from an estate sale. The face is bigger and is a bit more forgiving. Plus, it is one of the most stunning persimmon woods that I have seen and is in great shape. I will also mix in a Cleveland Classic Ben Crenshaw, and a Spalding Top-Flite from the 70s. My 3 and 4 woods are also Top-Flites from the 70s. My putter is modern only because I finally have it dialed in-ish, and putting is by far the worst part of my game. I do have a nice collection of vintage putters that I will throw in to practice with.
Another important piece to note is the golf ball. Ultimately, play whatever ball you want to play, but if you ask any of the persimmon experts they will tell you to play the softest golf ball you can. It will add more feel to the game, and will be closer to what players were using back in the day.
Still Always Collecting
Golf has always been a game for me. I have never played in an official tournament and I have never depended on it for my livelihood. At the end of the day, it’s a hobby/obsession. Transitioning to classic equipment has allowed me to enjoy learning more about golf history and take part in it by preserving and using storied classic tools of the trade.
If you are reading this then you know the joy of getting new clubs. There is nothing like it! Join me next time as I tell you about my latest purchase, 1965-67 Ben Hogan PC-5 irons.
