by David O'Brien

Created on: August 20, 2009   Last Updated: August 25, 2009

This is a question which weighs heavy in my heart. Many of us out there are given a set of golf clubs that would be considered ridiculous in todays game. No real history is known of these gems you look down at, just hunks of aging metal. The progress of evolving material and design create a joke of past technology.

We should all step back for a moment, and pretend for a day what once was. The clubs of old were always smaller in size, with a much smaller sweet spot, as it is often referred to. Typically heavy these antiques also were, which required a smooth take away and release. In todays game, we often see players swinging quickly, and not maintaining a fluid pace to the rhythm. Shaft technology is a big part of the game currently. Prior to 1980, forged was commonly still the only choice. Shafts were measured in just a few ways. When Nicholas and Palmer, were head to head back then, it wasn't who endorsed their movements, that made them who they were. It was the heart inside, that made the game.

Modern change has made the best get better, and the average player more confused. When you figure a player is doing bad, the product must be the cause. Many of us have more than one set of extra irons stored away, in case the need comes to wipe the dust, and reacquaint this old set of friends. Most of us cannot adapt so quickly to change, without the steady work and effort, the professionals dedicate in their lives.

I feel as a training aid, we should all pick up a set of old forged clubs and feel the sting of an inappropriate connection made with a golf ball. One of two things can happen. The first thing would be the sting. How many times in a row does that feeling need to happen, before some type of change will occur. To make better connect would be the second thing. After working on the range for one or two sessions, the sure conclusion would be better ball striking. Some may disagree with this, but I know it has worked well for me in the past.

The process of getting the forged clubs that I have, comes with a passionate story. My father always wanted to own a set of Kenneth Smith golf clubs. They were made in Kansas City Missouri, and many famous people used them over the years of being in business. The time came in his life where he told me now is when he had to own this set of clubs. We made arrangements to fly into Kansas City, rented a Nice Cadillac for the occasion, and scheduled to be fit for a set of clubs.

On the plane, my father also mentioned that I too, should own a set of these gems. I insisted this could not happen, as the cost for one set was quite expensive. By the time we landed, he convinced me of the fact we would both be fitted for clubs. The process was amazing. Such care was taken by our club fitter, and also a tour of the facility was given. Such a quaint little place that had such rich history connected to it. It was like the Church hill Downs of golf clubs. Once these clubs arrived back home, 6 weeks later, the feeling was unforgettable. My father was so happy to get these clubs. I too, could not believe the beauty of these old school prizes. I still go back to these clubs, which require a good swing to obtain results. The persimmon woods do relinquish distance, but not feel. I admit the 460 cc metal woods, can far surpass the old style woods. Never will the tradition diminish, of this experience I have mentioned.

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