Sunday, March 18, 2012

Antique Golf Irons - The Newest Way Of Appreciating A Classic Game

By Andrew Shea


The collection of antique golf clubs isn't a new phenomenon by any means.

Nonetheless the pursuit is turning into a far more main line pastime. Why is it that in an age when the next revolutionary new driver is being released every week, folks are turning away from the new models and seeing the old classics in a totally new light? The answer is in the question; its because they're classics.

Although subject to fierce discussion among scholars, what we all know as the modern game of golf is often accepted as having Scottish roots. First discussed in an Act of the Scottish Parliament in 1457, it wasn't until the mid to late 19th century the game actually began to take roots as a state sport. It is from this period on that most antique golf club collectors look to start their search for actually vintage clubs.

Antique Golf Clubs - What Were They Made From ?

Originally, the shafts of these vintage clubs were made of whatever wood was widely available and local to the area. Over the passage of time hickory became the wood of choice for most club shafts due to its tricky, stiff and shock resistant characteristics. The arrival of steel shafts was initially suggested in the 1890?s, although it was decades later before these became normal. For woods, the club head was traditionally made from a hardwood (most generally American Persimmon), which was not till the 1980?s that metal woods became the standard. For irons, the club head was, surprise surprise, made of iron. A flat metallic piece was forged into a thin club head. It wasn't till the early 20th century that these club faces would have grooves on them. A smooth club face is a likely indicator of a club from the 19th century.

How Am I Able To Start My Collection ?

Buying genuine antique clubs could be a totally rewarding experience. But unless you are already a pro in the topic, you must take precautions before handing over your hard-earned cash. If possible, do not buy a club without some sort of certificate of authenticity. There are some straightforward tests which can provide you with a fair sign of a vintage clubs age, but without a proper appraisal you can't be certain of the clubs heritage. Maybe the club was once owned by a pro player? Maybe it was employed on a famous course or in a especially consequential tournament event. Regardless of whether it is none of those things, by their very definition, antique golf clubs are an infrequent treasure. Definitely from this collectors standpoint, their value can't be measured solely by financial means.

Just like any true classic.




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