Hickory Clubs

[Backspin9]

I will be in Scotland in June playing some of the great courses, among them are Castle Stuart, Carnoustie, the Old Course, and Kingsbarns, plus a couple of others.  I came across a place called Kingarrock outside of St Andrews where you rent hickory clubs and play the course as it was designed in the early 1900's.

http://www.kingarrock.com/index.html

To me this looks like an absolute must-do and will fit it into my schedule.  Having never played the old stuff and not knowing much (ok, anything) about it I have some questions.

Is it really difficult, and what can I expect?  I'm a decent 4 hdcp. but I realize this is a different game.  
Any suggestions?  

About the equipment -- if I were to get a set of hickory clubs where do you start?  There are some places over there that sell decent playable sets for around $300 or so that are Scottish made.  I would prefer something like this if for no other reason than the historical value/perspective.  They look like they would be a blast to play a couple of times a year.  

Thanks, and apologies for all the questions.  I am kind of intrigued by this.....

[Sillybodkins]

I started playing hickory two years ago, and played in four regional hickory tournaments last year.

If you are a 4, you'll be playing good hickory golf in no time, but there is a bit of a learning curve.  Because of the torque in wood shafts, problem hooks are more of a problem.  Also, because of the small size of the driver heads, pop ups and skinny shots are more of a problem.  It took me some time to really stay centered in my swing, and still move freely down below.  But I have gotten to the point where I can take a good cut at sometimes.

I bought reproduction clubs from both Mike Just at Louisville golf and Tad Moore at Tad Moore Golf.  I happen to like Tad's clubs better (I like the shafts better), but I guess that's like saying I prefer Titleist to TaylorMade.  You can call Tad or Mike and discuss your ability, swing speed and current equipment, and either can get you started correctly.  I highly recommend talking to them.  I have a beautiful new driver from Tad that I was just killing  couple of weeks ago, January golf in Buffalo.

The Saint Andrews Golf Company also makes reproductions.

The cool thing about hickory is that you can pick up 7 or 8 clubs and have a great time.  The Vermont Hickory Open is played with a 7 club limit.  My set consisted of a driver, spoon, and Tad's Victor 3, 5, 7, niblick and putter.  That equates to driver, 4 or 5-wood, 5, 7, 9, wedge and putter.

Playing with primitive tools, small sweet spots and twisty shafts can really help yor modern game.  I think that you will enjoy the challenge, and appreciate the accomplishments of players such as Jones, Hagen, And Vardon.

[Sillybodkins]

Just read the write up on Kingarrock.  

They supply you with a spoon, driving iron, mid-mashie, mashie niblick and putter.  Translation: you get a fairway wood, 2-iron, 7-iron, pw, and putter.  You're playing an executive length course - go have some fun.  

Certainly not a bad idea for an off-afternoon!  

I would have suggested supplying a mid-iron or jigger (4 or 5-iron), and also a niblick (wedge).  As a four hdcp, you will appreciate how developing a set of superior tools can increase your enjoyment of the adventure.

Clicked on the website, visitors tab, and there's a youTube video which actually includes a couple of shots by Geoff Ogilvy!

Yep, a good idea!

[Shoe]

Restoring hickories was my gateway drug to get into club making.

You can easily pay way too much for them. If you're wanting a set ready to play, expect to spend $400-$700. If you're handy and willing to work on a few things, irons and putters can be had for $10-$15, $20-$40 for woods. You'll only need a few clubs to enjoy it - brassie (drivers are optional), mid iron, mashie, mashie niblick, niblick and a putter. Getting authentic Scottish made clubs would probably be cheaper done in Scotland.

If you can, catch the Bobby Jones series "How I Play Golf" on the Golf Network, or DVD. The hickory game is played a lot lower to the ground. Get comfy with bump and run golf.

FWIW - many courses in Scotland rent authentic sets. Taking them with you might prove a bigger hassle than expected.

[Backspin9]

Thanks for the replies.  I wouldn't bring clubs with me as I'm already bringing my gamers.  It wouldn't be worth it for just 9 holes and anyway, I don't have any hickory clubs to bring.  I was just kind of interested in maybe picking up a set later on.  The Scottish clubs look interesting to me and a decent set (for as much as I know) is pretty reasonable.

I found these at a shop near St Andrews for £249.00: (or about $400)

http://www.antiquehickorygolfclubs.com/proddetail.php?prod=FPS028

It is a 6 club set fully restored consisting of 15 degree Brassie, Mid Iron, Mashie, Mashie Niblick, Niblick and Putter which is the make-up you have suggested.  That's about as much as I'd want to spend at this point and they would be playable, and right from the home of golf which has some special meaning, silly as that sounds. 

[Shoe]

Be sure to check on the taxes/duties that will be due when you arrive with those back in the states as well as whether the VAT (a European tax) is already included in that price so you have a full accounting of what you're going to have to lay out. In terms of that set in particular, it's a perfect starter set and any hickory player would be proud to play them. The grips in particular really make that set stand apart to me. The Scots tended use the rougher finishes instead of tanned, shiny, leather as is common from the US makers. I have only one club that still has the original Scottish grip, and it is an absolute favorite to play.

One more hint: start looking for old balata/wound golf balls. You can get by with Pro V's or any other ball that has a soft enough cover where pressing your thumbnail into it will leave an impression. However, playing with the old wound balatas, for me anyway, really enhances the hickory game experience. You can also get period reproduction balls from places like Louisville Golf.

[Sillybodkins]

One of the cool things about hickory is that you acquire a play set, and then you upgrade, one club at a time.  You look at each for its ability to get the job done.  Shafts are all different; some work for you, others don't as well.  There is nothing wrong with a mismatched set as long as it is matched for you.

[Florentine_Pogen]

If you have around $4500 to spare.............

http://www.standrewsgolfco.com/shop_item.asp?productID=38&categoryid=1&subcategoryid=165&subsubcategoryid=14

[Backspin9]

Those are some beautiful clubs but at that price I'd be afraid to play them.  I still have my eye on the set in my link and the $400 is more in my price range.   

I'm really excited about playing the course in Fife and seeing how badly I will embarass myself!

[Sillybodkins]

If you have around $4500 to spare.............

http://www.standrewsgolfco.com/shop_item.asp?productID=38&categoryid=1&subcategoryid=165&subsubcategoryid=14

I'd love to waggle those puppies!