when were spalding executive golf clubs made when were spalding executive golf clubs made

In the mid to late 80s, my father had Spalding make him a set of custom irons. Callaway had long wanted Top-Flites ball factory and patents but didnt want to assume any debt. Shallow faces (not as shallow as the 440 of course) and less offset than many of the long irons they replace. Just found and bought a set of Lil David Slingers. I take them out every couple of years and play a round with them just for fun. What about Goldwin?? Still, if youre looking for more information about Spalding golf clubs, youve come to the right place. Started Yesterday at 04:29 AM, By What is it for weight transfer? He could not believe the smoothness of the Driver. Insurmountable debt, uncertain management, and stiff competition forced Spalding to stop production. I still have a set of samurai woods and irons,,and still use them,,had a pro hit my 7 iron once,,it flew his 7iron,,he was amazed,they hit great,,but graphite wears down over years and breaks,and when that happens,,its hard to find a replacement,,,. & Bubba Dickerson won the 2001 US Amatuer with a set of Nicklaus Bears! I traded in some Titleist Acushnet blades for themI had only paid $99.00 for the set of Acushnets (used)they gave me $139.00 in trade value, and wanted another $100 for the UniquesThey were some of the easiest to hit irons I have ever ownedout of the 40 50 different sets I have had. Thanks. I just love them! I didnt realize Spalding was still a player as late as 2000. The company experimented throughout the 1920s and 1930s with lathe-turned hickory shafts that featured circular ridges spaced at standard intervals down the entire shaft. Spalding developed the first liquid center golf ball, the Kros-Flite. Windtree Golf is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. They also specialized in unique clubs like the Cran Creek. I still think I deserve to be recognized as the leader in this category and will be appealing your decision. The success of Spalding golf clubs had compelled the USGA to act, but this success was not destined to last forever. These articles are all outstanding. Had a set of McGregor Irons called Doctor Rx, they felt good hit in the middle, they reminded me of a Pringle potato chip. I played a set of Mags for years until I got to where I could not swing fast enough to bend the stiff shafts. We have been making them since 1992ship them all over the worldto soldiers, traveling execs, private pilots, cyclists, retirees that want to walk but cant lug a full set, and many other categories. Theres even premium urethane cover options (Pro V1 and X styles) for ~$15 a dozen. All Irons for men were 37. Who knows what might have happened if someone else had gained control, Im 75 and recall that my Dad was a Spalding Dot guy. Spalding Executive Left Handed Golf Clubs There are several different types of left-handed golf club sets, so which one is the best for you? Your previous content has been restored. Ironfinder has a good selection of individual Spalding Executive MV2 bird over ball golf clubs in stock to help you replace a missing single golf iron. Though he is a footnote in the PGA history he was briefly on tour in the 50s. Unfortunately, Spalding has fallen a long way down the pecking order in terms of their sporting equipment, and it has been a long time since they manufactured a new set of golf clubs. You find them on eBay Gary? Men's Right Handed. Got them for $200.00 which was a really great price other pro shops were asking $450.00 for a set. They are also said to be legendary Canadian player Moe Normans favorite clubs of all time. But more trouble was coming for Spalding. Circa 1985-ish if memory serves. when I got my samurais,they were expensive,,but you can get them ocassionally on ebay,,picked up a 6iron for 15$. Starting in 1900, Spalding opened clubmaking factories in London and in Fife, Scotland, producing forged iron heads for Spalding clubs sold both in the UK and U.S. There was a time that Spalding golf clubs were among the best in the business. They are nearly in perfect condition. You can still buy Top-Flite and Strata branded balls at DICKS and Golf Galaxy. Jones famously retired from golf after winning the 1930 version of the Grand Slam. Club-makers traditional method had been to shape metal heads with an anvil and forge. The 1968 arrival of the Executive MV2 Bird Over Ball clubs are among some of Spaldings most easily recognizable clubs. Its a great story that needs to be told. Spalding used to own Top Flite before selling the subsidiary to Callaway. As a former pro athlete, Spalding saw the value of using professionals to help promote both the game and his products. As previously mentioned, you can buy Spalding Molitor clubs at Rock Bottom, and theyre a great option for beginner players. Whats more, KKR continued adding to its golf empire, buying Etonic in 1996 and Ben Hogan a year later. CA License # A-588676-HAZ / DIR Contractor Registration #1000009744 "datePublished": "2022-05-12", By this time, Spalding was making everything from barbells, dumbells, punching bags, and rowing machines to fencing blades, whistles, shot puts, javelins, and golf clubs. Irons made during that time are distinguished by an anvil cleek mark. The nineties saw the release of the Top Flite Tour Ti irons, which were among the last clubs that the long-standing brand would manufacture. Another great history piece. Spalding, along with Wright and Ditson, was importing golf clubs from Scotland. Like previously stated the Slotline Lowpro irons were for the most part an exact copy of the Browning 440 irons. In the 1920s, Spalding started making irons and innovated an assembly line style forging process that was much cheaper, faster, and more precise than the ole hammer and anvil. Im from SD, so I had a set. In addition to being a prolific golf club designer and inventor of innumerable gadgets and gizmos, I have led a fascinating life, as you can see by a brief look at a summary of my biography.. Itd take a week to prepare for.. It was the mold makers attempt to make at a hollow head, wooden shape club. 2023 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2. I cant believe to Ping Zing 2s are on the list. Design the future of bad golf! words that have to do with clay P.O. If KKR had appointed Scott Creleman as the head man at the time I firmly believe Dpaldi g would still be a player in the golf industry With Spalding's mass-market success breeding scores of imitators, players could pick and choose from countless club lines. They looked like a full set of hybrids but only lasted a short period of time. The reason why Spalding clubs arent particularly valuable is that they have been widely available for so many years. Starting in 1900, Spalding opened club-making factories in London and in Fife, Scotland, producing forged iron heads for Spalding clubs sold both in the UK and U.S. OK MyGolfSpyers, its time to get creative! I just searched eBay right now and saw a set for $139. i just hit a 8 iron in that series last night. Copyright 2023. Had 3-PW plus 1, 3, & 5 woods. I have the entire set of samurai woods and irons,,,driver,3wood,5wood,7wood,,irons,,2-pw,dont believe they ever made a sw,,,,and I still use them,,,my fellow golfers are still amazed at the distance I get,,if you want a picture of the set,,let me know,,ill take one and send to you,,, I have the whole set of samurai irons,2-pw and woods1,3,5,7,,still use them,,i have had pros hit them,,and be amazed at the distances over their irons,,,i would like to find another 5wood,if anyone knows where or who has 1,,i, neil,,do you have a samuarai 5 wood,,,hard to find,,,id like one. You had to turn those over to see the ugly, but the cone in the bottom was down right wacky! Another really well done article. Throughout the 90s and into the early 2000s, Spalding and Titleist were running neck and neck in golf ball production. It wasnt long until Spaldings Executive golf clubs were launched, which were prevalent at all levels of the game. Throughout America, the affordable Spalding clubs flew off the shelves and reaped huge catalog sales. My golf team partner talked me into getting new technology Ping G-20s a couple years ago, & I can not hit them nearly as well. Nice article John! remove head from shaft? Perhaps they were a little ahead of their time (3-PW). Yes. While theyre old-school, Spalding clubs are made to high standards and are built to last, making them a great option if youre looking for a cheap and cheerful set of clubs. Terrific article as usual Mr. Barra. The Spalding Top-Flite first came out in 1970. Spalding no longer makes golf clubs, and hasnt for some time now. or Best Offer. I actually have a set of 440s I bring them out every year or two when I am hitting the ball poorly. At the turn of the 20th Century, golf had stirred mild interest in the United States, and A.G. Spalding & Brothers sporting goods saw an opportunity. When I was starting golf, I went to the shop and these were the clubs that I hit the best (compared to cavity backs) and bought them. . Various . "sameAs": [ As a former professional player, Spalding recognized the need of enlisting the assistance of experts to promote both the game and his merchandise. Wilson never really recovered after Pepsi bought it in 1970. we closed and then were just screwing around with some of the rental clubs. In 1938, the USGA passed an edict limiting players to 14 clubs. The greatest golfer at the time plays Spalding? I had released it into the foreign market through a network of distributors mid in 1978, where it was well received. Press J to jump to the feed. Now I need some crazy Loudmouth pants and a pink ball. And in 1930, it hit the jackpot. Irons made during that time are distinguished by an anvil cleek mark. As a golfer of a certain age, these history articles are fascinating! I was the Sales Manager of Stan Thompson golf company for several years and worked very close with Stan. The 300XXL Driver was so lightawesome clubhead speed ! Any Spalding clubs that are still in circulation can be regarded as vintage, thats for sure! The 1953 Top-Flite Synchro-Dyned irons were particularly innovative, featuring a matched shaft flex and head weight for each iron in the set. The result is the easiest-to-hit long irons ever. Hmmmare you wondering why all irons arent made out of titanium then? he is a cleveland iron man now, but he still owns the spalding executives. i was pretty impressed with the club. Just remember, Its always the indian and not the arrow. The real prize for Callaway was the Chicopee ball plant. Every iron ever made is ugly as hell when you hit it off the hosel. What you like is what you like. Jackie Gleason also owned a set. Spalding stopped producing golf clubs in 2022, focusing on other sports in the years since. Jeff Sheets had been Director of R&D for Top-Flite since 1995, and his first club for Hogan became a legend. This one in particular was interesting to me because I grew up in a Spalding family of sorts. Well done. In the late 70s I also had a set of Unique irons which were great apart from the plastic covers covering the cavity back constantly falling out. GolfCartReport.com, Golf Undershirts (20 To Try On The Market Today), Do I Need Longer Golf Clubs? By the Roaring '20s, A.G. Spalding & Brothers was using the process of "drop forging" to manufacture metal club-heads. The only thing a golfer needs is more daylight. - BenHogan. They actually play pretty well. Scott was a highly respected individual in the golf industry during this period and he had the respect of both his staff and golf professionals To maintain the limit of 14 clubs in the bag, I change off now and then. Played dots a bit but later played a lot of Top Flites because I was a teenager, and the balls did not cut (this was back in the days of balata balls that cut if you looked at them hard). All that creativity has led to the great clubs we have today. The shaft collapses to 18 inches so it is great for travelsure beats the cost of checking a golf bag these days. Incidentally, Vulcan (Chicago suburb club makers who made some of the earliest hybrids) made a full set of hybrids 3-SW. You have not lived until you hit good hybrid wedges! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It felt like a rock but flew like a rocket and weekend warriors bought them by the bushel. TaylorMade, by comparison, has been sold twice in the past four years. Of course Drivers and putters are like women. Dont be ashamed thoughsome of these designs have actually been pioneering for the industry. Steve Almo But, you raised an interesting question: If Top-Flite Elite Professional irons with the Bird on Ball logoare rated by the MyGolfSpy Forums resident vintage club expert Big Stu as the third greatest pure forged blade of all time. Then what irons are #1 and #2 best ever forged blades? they were a good iron, that looked good at address, and were easy to hit. And Jim Furyk won the 2003 U.S. Open with the new Strata Ace, which featured playing card suits (a la Penfold) instead of numbers. Leather Golf Grips Review: Should I Use Them? Recently I bought another set (I keep an eye on E-Bay for them) so I could have extras & other club sets for friends that come into town. it was at my range's rental bin. I bought them new. I surely do remember those Dot balls that my brother and I would find on OFCC in south suburbs of Chicago because we couldnt afford them but you really had to pay attention to look at those balls before you grounded your club or you would put a significant cut in them. Just bought a set of Nicklaus Linear Dynamics N1 Golf Irons at a thrift shop in Vegas. No sir, they are in my bag and are still being used after all these years. Since you mentioned it in the article, how about doing the history of Ben Hogan golf from its inception in 1953 to itd ultimate demise under Callaway and then its resurrection in 2015. Happily, I can say that I have seen these over the years, but none of them ever made it into my golf bag. Do You have any idea? lol..!! So what did his famous Ginty patent actually mean? Im not sure how rare they are, but youd think there would be a trace of them somewhere. A set of wedges were introduced several years ago claiming to be New and the best thing since sliced bread, but they looked strangely similar to the Golden Touch irons. Each has a special place in my personal golf journey and is still some of the best equipment Ive ever used. And I remember drooling over those Tour Edition Custom blades in the pro shop. the only problem I have had{although the have to be at least 30+ years old},is graphite cracks. The company also announced an alliance with Bob Bettinardi to create a line of high-end Hogan putters. Although lots of factors influence how much golf clubs are worth, you can typically pick up a set of Spalding golf clubs for less than $100. Spalding released multiple iterations of its Executive clubs throughout the sixties and seventies, and they became popular with professional golfers and recreational players alike. Some scumbag broke into my vehicle and stole the set about 25 years ago. }. The strangest set I play with at the moment is a matching set of 3 through 15 fairway woods made by Protactic Golf in Chicago (part of the remains of Northwestern Golf, I think). (What Exactly Happened?). Yes it has some smoother lines compared to some of the other clubs on the listbut you put that PowerBow as Nike says on any of those other irons and it is a dead ringer for this list of crazies. I played Spaulding Black Dots back in late 60s. The Black Dots and Red Dots were equivalent to the Titleist black numerals and red numerals. Still bagging their wedges. In 1876 Spalding was the manager and ace pitcher of the Chicago White Stockings. He would hold up the club so they could see the 7 on the bottom and with a big grin say I hit a 7 iron. During that time, Spalding ownership changed hands a half dozen times, and saw the same fate as MacGregor Irons. Golfers have always known that deep-grooved irons produce better control and spin. Well today is going to be a little bit different. and had a driving range there for many years. and I firmly believe the demise of Spalding was because a number of CEOs with little or no knowledge of the golf industry were appointed Its high point came in 1998 when Mark OMeara won the Masters and the Open Championship for Spalding. MyGolfSpy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Top-Flite acquisition made it a player. The biggest of them all, however, may well have been the aforementioned Bobby Jones. It was an interesting period to work for Spalding but sad to watch the demise of the brand it should never of happened ! The Early Years of Spalding Golf Starting in 1900, Spalding opened club-making factories in London and in Fife, Scotland, producing forged iron heads for Spalding clubs sold both in the UK and U.S. I bought my first set of real golf clubs around 1991 or 1992, the Spalding Executive. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); MyGolfSpy is gearing up to conduct the second edition of our groundbreaking ball test. Actually, we used to produce more golf balls than Titleist. The VAS irons have finally been dethroned from their previous top spot as Worst Iron Ever Made! Although from a phone-in interview Mr. VAS told us, I feel robbed. I actually have these clubs. If so, are they any good? but fairly forgiving. In 2001 Spalding launched a $17 million ad campaign for Hogan and Strata. The player would then conveniently cover the top of his bag with a towel so that no one would see the length of the irons. Executives were my first real set of golf clubs. Love them oldies. Never met a set of strange clubs I didnt want to try. Fascinating how these once great brands essentially disappeared altogether. We had hybrids back in the 80s. (Cavity back blades???) I don't mind the executives though, don't really know much about them either. I have a set of both the 440s and the 500s, and there is no difference in face depth. Especially in America. It had a good locking mechanism, and was made for poorer people who could not afford a whole set. Image: Central Press/Hulton Archive via Getty Images. Bought a used set of 3-SW with a sticker decal some 35 years ago and added a 2-iron with stamped lettering later on a trip to Chicago. So, if youre buying or selling Spalding clubs that are in reasonably good shape, you can set your expectations around $100 to begin with. I learned the game on a set of used Spalding Execs-still have them today. Please put any questions or comments here. Are these considered weird? I played a lot of Spaulding equipment as a kid in all kinds of sports. I tried to hit it oncenot a good idea! He traded a set of classic Burke PunchIrons to get the Lynx. Duke gave me an original solid brass/bronze Greenirons Slotline putter (heel shafted with slot in top line and white dot on lower rear section).. "@type": "Article", This putter is a remake of the model Bobby Jones used in the 1930s and features a head made from nickel plating over copper plating over forged carbon steel. I remember a set called Canon I think, possibly a Spalding brand. New entries such as Nike and Adams were turning heads as well. I love them so much I have four sets, just a case a club breaks. The Executive clubs are among the finest pure forged blades ever produced and have certainly stood the test of time. Upgraded my driver from R7 to Razr Hawk, but will never surrender my Slingshots. Today we are going to be spotlighting the crazy, the absurd, and some of the wackiest irons the golf world has ever seen. I had a VAS 5 iron. However as a caddy the Spaulding staff bag was a real trunk!! My friends and I (and Im embarrassed to say this now! not just the American side , some of Europe and some from Japan makers also wacky !!! The Top Flite name lives on, however, thanks to the purchase of its namesake via Callaway in the early 2000s. "width": "645", I have a 3-15 wood set that are fun to play with. Theyre awesome. Used them for about 10-15 years before I switch to 845s. Brilliant writing! Its an interesting question to ask about a company that was a factor for over 125 years. Great stuff. Ive owned. Pat Simmons first wanted to say thanks and also that, You may not know the Pat Simmons name, but if youre a golfer, you know of several of my inventions. I collect odd golf items. Ugly or unconventional, I felt a more confident with them and Stan Thompson fairway woods. Say what you will but I own a set of Ray Cook Titanic irons. I saw the Cisneros brothers maybe once in my time there, he says. The company was already selling golf balls when, in 1905, it became the first in America to offer its own brand of golf clubs. Although the Inertial irons werent so lucky. Remember all the other clubs, good to read. but worth a kings ransom, Great post thanks mgs but i agree with dj ,The doctor rx has to be on the list. It was fun to have and I actually hit the thing really really well. i was hitting 8 iron and was suprised how high the ball flight was. Thanks for the memories, John Barba. http://www.geekgolf.com. I recently tried an old Jack Nicklaus 7 iron made by MacGregor many years ago. Love to see them. Heres a set of Slotline irons currently for sale on EBay, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330561978331&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT, some years ago-I bought a trial 7 iron thru golg digest-some years later a friend of mine bought a used set at a second hand storeany way I think it was made by simmons or slotline?? From the 1950s to the 1990s Spalding was in the bag for many major victories, and was played on municipal courses across the country. Finally, my number came up along with everyone else in the product management and marketing teams.. Did KKR overpay? Now, like Henry Ford's assembly-line Model T's, Spalding craftsmen used a mechanical hammer to craft club-heads, drill sockets in them to attach the shaft and then polish the heads, all of which allowed Spalding to mass produce matching club sets. Titleist has been the Ball King for so long, its hard to remember a time when it wasnt. Spaldings buddy Wright had been doing the same thing since 1892. Jim passed away recentlyhe was a great innovator do you remember the Basakwerd Putter Much cheaper than renting. Wide sole. I have a full set of Exec XE irons. TaylorMade then entered the bidding but, after 30 rounds, Callaway wound up buying Top-Flite free and clear for $175 million. They play as well as any other set Peter F. Stevens is an award-winning author and journalist whose 10 books include "The Voyage of the Catalpa." More on the tr600!!!! Ive got other odd clubs, a clear/see thru 5W, 68 & 73 degree wedge (of course, they may not be considered crazy. But unfortunately for the VASs they were dethroned from their long held position. * Note: These irons were designed by Duke Duclos. MacGregor Doctor X. I had the Bears. At the 2003 PGA Show, Hogan introduced the Apex 50 blade commemorating its 50th anniversary, the game improvement CFT irons, and the Carnoustie and Riviera wedges. Im sure Scott White would love to contribute. Is it worth getting a new set of clubs, or should I focus on getting spikes and a gloves, ( I currently golf in thing sandles) 0. What the hey. Callaway wound up suing Spalding for using its imagery on Spalding packaging. A very interesting stroll down golf history. The early Top-Flites were juast the opposite; you couldnt cut one of them with an axe. Haha my dad had a set of these and I ended up bagging the 3 and 4 irons as I hated the hybrids that came with my new set. Perception-wise that made Spalding a second-tier, big-box company compared to Titleist. Made from 1989-1994 and originally sold for $680. Those were real whacky.. bent shafts and roughly milled heads. I really enjoy reading your articles, John. I'm 25 years old and I've been playing with my grandfathers Spalding executives for 10 years now, and I shoot about a 80-85. In the mid-80s, Spalding introduced the solid core Tour Edition, and in 1996 it came out with Strata, a true game-changer for Spalding and the first multi-layer solid core ball used on Tour. MyGolfSpy is usually a place you guys come to see the latest and greatest equipment the golf industry has to offer. In 2012, Callaway sold Top-Flite to DICKS and Hogan to Perry Ellis.