At last ! , Someone that knows what they are talking about , my set of clubs are old golden rams and i also have a 2 wood exactly the same as you – fantastic –
John makes such a convincing case. The fact that he plays clubs that are in many cases designed 50-60 years ago would lead you to conclude that 90% of the technology advancements since then are merely marketing ploys designed to separate you from your money
It does not explain however why none (that I’m aware of) of the modern tour players use this vintage equipment
I play 4-GW 1990 Japanese Bridgestone HT-201 blades, 1999 Prairie Golf putter, Wishon wedges, and Tour Stage 2008 driver. LaddieX ball. 5.5hcp Tom Wishon still forges his irons https://youtu.be/1SFEUgf0Yw0?si=wZQQQRUuWUzHyQa-
Most Sundays my group plays retro gear. This week i played Tommy Armour SS1 irons 2-10. Wilson Staff PW & SW. TA 4393 Driver and TP Special 3 wood. Dalehead putter.
It's what i grew up with. Its much more fun and challenging. I played junior golf in So Cal around the same time you did, then played in college with similar gear. It's refreshing to see someone talking about the old stuff
Hey John, love your videos. I’ve watched them all. What balls do you typically use? I like playing the tour balatas but even when I find them unused in the box they don’t spin as much as I remember them spinning. Man, I miss those days playing with forged blades and a fresh balata. I swear, it seems like the way equipment technology changed made me try to play different a different game and it just made me a worse ball striker.
John,,,watched the video 3 times to get every tidbit !!! Couple of curiosities 1) What are the swing weights of your clubs–ball park–I would think you reach a point of diminishing return if you get into the F3-4's–Yes,,, No?——-Did you put Tungsten powder down that putter shaft to get it to 16 ozs? 2) You said "Stock Shaft" on the irons,,,,,,is that length too??? Because of the flatness of the lie,,,don't you need a little extra length,,,,especially to those 1940"s "Standard Stock Lengths"? 3) I think the last REAL Balata ball,,not synthetic, was the Maxfli that Couples played in the late 80"s—-what ball do you use with those great old instruments of fun 4) If a 55-70 year old comes to you,,,,,,how do you fit him as far as shaft stiffness, weight, drivers (would not think you can fit the world with 48 degree drivers)——- lol 5) Lastly,,,,,since the Naval Air Station course closed,,,,,,where do you go to play these days,,,,,,,btw,,,,very sad,,,California politics have ruined so my public accessible venues available to most—- Come to Texas,,,,would love to have you!!!!,,,,,,,speaking of, if you ever get to Dallas,,,,,play Cedar Crest, (A.W. Tillinghast) ,site of the PGA in 1927 (Hagen won)—-you would love it!!!!! https://www.golfcedarcrest.com/
I think I remember you saying on the forum a while back that the Spalding model 28 is one of the only drivers you've seen that is stock flat enough (at least in the ones you have)?
Miura is not that expensive, about the cost of a good bike. all irons play pretty much the same, satisfying to play, somewhat 'compact' feel, not much flex. New they cost about 3000, still an ok price if you like to own and play them. definitely recommended, definitely more 'character' than Mizuno
Love the gear talk john! I'm very curious which ball you're playing! A video on which ball you're playing and why would be very informative and interesting!
There are plenty of forged clubs today. 'forged' on a modern club does not refer to carbon content, at all. However, you are generally right that forging processes today are often very different than decades ago. Often, a 'forged' label on a club now means some component(s) we're forged and/or the club had at least one forging process.
I love the idea of playing old equipment. While my view differs from yours on the reasoning. I think it's just really cool to play what the greats of back in the day played and maybe feel what they felt hitting shots. Kind of experience what Hogan, Snead Nelson, Jack or Arnie experienced. Experience golf of the golden era so to speak.
I would love to see up close pics or video of your equipment. A few questions and a suggestion. What ball do you play? Do you use more modern balls or have you tracked down a source for wound balls? Lastly, how about a playing video or vlog?
My stepfather introduced me to the game and while he is no longer with us. I want to take his sticks out for a round once in a while and just reminisce. Also to play the course the way it was designed to be played. To be honest, it gets a bit boring playing hitting drivers everywhere and wedges into greens. I feel like for most courses where I live I could play a round with like 5 clubs in the bag and save some weight. So to honestly play a course the way it was designed and intended I think would really bring about the shot making aspects of it.
There really is no better feeling golf shot than a well struck ball with a persimmon wood. Although a well struck blade is a very close second.
You’ve mentioned before that you don’t play much anymore, but it would be awesome to record yourself playing nine or eighteen holes; showing us how you strike it, hearing the sound and seeing the flight would be a treat; most of all listening to you talk through course strategy and how to best use the retro gear to our advantage to score well. Just a thought!
22 Comments
At last ! , Someone that knows what they are talking about , my set of clubs are old golden rams and i also have a 2 wood exactly the same as you – fantastic –
John makes such a convincing case. The fact that he plays clubs that are in many cases designed 50-60 years ago would lead you to conclude that 90% of the technology advancements since then are merely marketing ploys designed to separate you from your money
It does not explain however why none (that I’m aware of) of the modern tour players use this vintage equipment
John I love you ideas. I have an old Pedersen wedge an and old Ram wedge. Love then. Rebar shafts
I play 4-GW 1990 Japanese Bridgestone HT-201 blades, 1999 Prairie Golf putter, Wishon wedges, and Tour Stage 2008 driver. LaddieX ball. 5.5hcp
Tom Wishon still forges his irons
https://youtu.be/1SFEUgf0Yw0?si=wZQQQRUuWUzHyQa-
Most Sundays my group plays retro gear. This week i played Tommy Armour SS1 irons 2-10. Wilson Staff PW & SW. TA 4393 Driver and TP Special 3 wood. Dalehead putter.
It's what i grew up with. Its much more fun and challenging. I played junior golf in So Cal around the same time you did, then played in college with similar gear. It's refreshing to see someone talking about the old stuff
👍🏻🏌🏻♂️
Hey John, love your videos. I’ve watched them all. What balls do you typically use? I like playing the tour balatas but even when I find them unused in the box they don’t spin as much as I remember them spinning. Man, I miss those days playing with forged blades and a fresh balata. I swear, it seems like the way equipment technology changed made me try to play different a different game and it just made me a worse ball striker.
Thanks for answering my question! What length do you play your 985s at? Did you leave it at a 37" 5-iron, or did you add extensions to those?
I believe miura makes a truly forged blade but they cost a small fortune
Cool bag! What ball?
John,,,watched the video 3 times to get every tidbit !!! Couple of curiosities
1) What are the swing weights of your clubs–ball park–I would think you reach a point of diminishing return if you get into the F3-4's–Yes,,, No?——-Did you put Tungsten powder down that putter shaft to get it to 16 ozs?
2) You said "Stock Shaft" on the irons,,,,,,is that length too??? Because of the flatness of the lie,,,don't you need a little extra length,,,,especially to those 1940"s "Standard Stock Lengths"?
3) I think the last REAL Balata ball,,not synthetic, was the Maxfli that Couples played in the late 80"s—-what ball do you use with those great old instruments of fun
4) If a 55-70 year old comes to you,,,,,,how do you fit him as far as shaft stiffness, weight, drivers (would not think you can fit the world with 48 degree drivers)——- lol
5) Lastly,,,,,since the Naval Air Station course closed,,,,,,where do you go to play these days,,,,,,,btw,,,,very sad,,,California politics have ruined so my public accessible venues available to most—-
Come to Texas,,,,would love to have you!!!!,,,,,,,speaking of, if you ever get to Dallas,,,,,play Cedar Crest, (A.W. Tillinghast) ,site of the PGA in 1927 (Hagen won)—-you would love it!!!!! https://www.golfcedarcrest.com/
Pretty sure Mizuno still forge their blades
Question. How does the Advanced Ball Striking method stress the back versus other methods?
I think I remember you saying on the forum a while back that the Spalding model 28 is one of the only drivers you've seen that is stock flat enough (at least in the ones you have)?
Miura is not that expensive, about the cost of a good bike. all irons play pretty much the same, satisfying to play, somewhat 'compact' feel, not much flex. New they cost about 3000, still an ok price if you like to own and play them. definitely recommended, definitely more 'character' than Mizuno
this putting style is the way to go, a putt is a full swing – on learning golf, percy boomer 1941,
Love the gear talk john! I'm very curious which ball you're playing! A video on which ball you're playing and why would be very informative and interesting!
There are plenty of forged clubs today. 'forged' on a modern club does not refer to carbon content, at all.
However, you are generally right that forging processes today are often very different than decades ago. Often, a 'forged' label on a club now means some component(s) we're forged and/or the club had at least one forging process.
Great video. Very interesting.
I love the idea of playing old equipment. While my view differs from yours on the reasoning. I think it's just really cool to play what the greats of back in the day played and maybe feel what they felt hitting shots. Kind of experience what Hogan, Snead Nelson, Jack or Arnie experienced. Experience golf of the golden era so to speak.
I would love to see up close pics or video of your equipment. A few questions and a suggestion. What ball do you play? Do you use more modern balls or have you tracked down a source for wound balls? Lastly, how about a playing video or vlog?
My stepfather introduced me to the game and while he is no longer with us. I want to take his sticks out for a round once in a while and just reminisce. Also to play the course the way it was designed to be played. To be honest, it gets a bit boring playing hitting drivers everywhere and wedges into greens. I feel like for most courses where I live I could play a round with like 5 clubs in the bag and save some weight. So to honestly play a course the way it was designed and intended I think would really bring about the shot making aspects of it.
There really is no better feeling golf shot than a well struck ball with a persimmon wood. Although a well struck blade is a very close second.
Wow do you know how hogan had his clubs set up how flat I don,t think I ever seen a club 6 degree flat
You’ve mentioned before that you don’t play much anymore, but it would be awesome to record yourself playing nine or eighteen holes; showing us how you strike it, hearing the sound and seeing the flight would be a treat; most of all listening to you talk through course strategy and how to best use the retro gear to our advantage to score well. Just a thought!
Koei Golf Japan forges their irons! Ask Chris @tourspecgolf.